Turnovers, offensive ignition, and a revitalized run game are Houston's critical keys to overcoming the Cardinals on Sunday.
Yesterday, the Texans Roundtable was joined by Arizona Cardinals Insider (and former beat writer) Kyle Odegard, who provided insights and perspective into what the Arizona Cardinals organization may be thinking prior to the 2026 season.
In the article, he was also asked about "three keys" for a Cardinals victory on Sunday afternoon. He mentioned how the offensive execution needs to be pristine, how there needs to be splashier plays made by the defense and how the Cardinals need to just "hope things break their way" because Houston has been doing so well as of late.
As a counterpoint, the Texans certainly must have their keys to defeat the Cardinals come tomorrow afternoon in NRG Stadium:
1. Be opportunistic in the secondary. Brissett has thrown 40+ passes for three games in a row. With that, there should come plenty of opportunities for Houston's defensive backs to create some turnovers and get Arizona's offense off the field.
Expect to see Brissett testing the secondary early and often, and expect to see one or more turnovers if the Cardinals aren't careful in the passing game.
2. Offense needs to come alive. The Cardinals have allowed their opponents to score 20+ points for five games in a row, including 40+ points in three of those five. The Texans' offense is ranked anywhere from 16th to the mid-20s in a variety of significant offensive statistical categories. Something has to give, and hopefully that something leads to a rare offensive explosion in Houston's favor.
3. Ignite the run game. Dealing with a rub injury that he suffered last Sunday against the Chiefs, running back Nick Chubb may not be a full go for this afternoon's contest. That affects an already below average Texans run game by not providing rookie Woody Marks with a viable running mate to share carries with come Sunday afternoon.
Enter new coming running back Cody Shrader. Or, so we thought.
According to reports, the Texans waived Shrader on Saturday to help make room for the returns of both tight end Harrison Bryant and running back Jawhar Jordan (from practice squad).
With the Cardinals ranking 19th in the NFL against the rush, a backfield combination of Marks and Jordan might be enough to help balance things out and keep Arizona's defense somewhat honest (but probably not by much).
Ideally, Houston handles their business, leaves week 15 at 9-5, and perhaps benefits from some AFC seeing changes before Monday morning.
Some of the more relevant games include The Baltimore Ravens facing the Cincinnati Bengals, the Los Angeles Chargers matching up with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills taking on the New England Patriots.
Amongst other contests on the day, the Texans could continue their slow ascent up the playoff standings board by just staying the course and beating who's in front of them.
Do you think the Texans handle their business against the Cardinals? What kind of victory would provide you the most encouragement heading into the final three games of the regular season? Let us know in the comment section below and on the official Texans Roundtable X account, @Texans_RTB!