Throughout the season, the red zone offense has been a constant quandary for the Houston Texans. For starters, the Texans averaged 3.2 red zone trips per game, which tied them with the Cincinnati Bengals for 18th in the NFL.

When it came to actually crossing the goal line, they rank third-worst (30th) in overall average of red zone touchdown scoring at 46.30%. Although, they rank 13th across the league's final three weeks at 60%. 

After being abysmal in that department during the early to mid phases of the season, they've made quality improvements over their last month of play. Specifically, they began converting opportunities at a higher rate in matchups including the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. Within those three, Houston did most of their damage against the Raiders and Colts. 

Those two teams ranked 17th (Raiders, 57.81%) and 11th (Colts, 53.73%) in touchdowns allowed in the red zone. With that in mind, Houston went 1-1 against Las Vegas (reception by tight end Dalton Schultz) and 2-3 against Indianapolis (reception by wide receiver Jayden Higgins, rushing score by quarterback C.J. Stroud). With no red zone trips added against the Chargers (46.94%), that settled the three-game average at the aforementioned 60%. 

To give a macro perspective, the Texans are 3-3 against teams in the top-10 of this defensive category, and 9-2 vs. all others. That's a .313 difference in winning percentage between the two records. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now the next opponent to challenge Houston's red zone offense. Heading into AFC Wildcard weekend, the Steelers rank seventh-best in red zone defense at 50.91%.

Being stout beyond the 20-yard line has helped make up some of the difference between their obscenely high number in yards allowed (26th, 356.9 yards/game) and point totals allowed (17th, 22.8 points/game). Being 17th is nothing to write home about, but improving nine spots is noteworthy for a team in Houston that needs to convert every opportunity they can get when the moments present themselves. 

The Texans' chronic issues near the goal line have legitimately cost them at least three games and possibly even a shot at the AFC's #1 seed (against the Buccaneers, Seahawks and Broncos). Whether it's been fumbles, play-calling issues or an inability to generate rushing yards in compact spaces, Houston has frequently found themselves on the short end of the stick when the goal line has been mere yards away. 

On Monday Night Football from Acrisure Stadium, the Texans have an opportunity to defeat the Steelers for the first time in their postseason history. They also have a chance to beat quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the first time since 2008. Larger than that, they are vying for their first Super Bowl trip ever. 

They'll have to overcome these negative tendencies in order to take the next steps toward Santa Clara in February. 

Do you think the offense has what it takes to take down the Steelers' red zone defense? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X!