After suffering three narrow losses to start the season, the Houston Texans executed a historic mid-season reversal to finish 12-5 and clinch a playoff berth. This dramatic improvement was fueled by the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans and the resilient play of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who helped the team tie a franchise record with a nine-game winning streak. Along the way, the organization made the difficult decision to release high-profile safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson following internal friction and on-field errors. The team’s defense eventually evolved into an elite unit, while the offense found its rhythm despite various injuries and coaching changes. A pivotal comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars served as the emotional turning point that solidified the roster's confidence. Now, the Texans enter the postseason as a formidable threat capable of competing with the NFL's top-tier teams.