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Today's starting lineup

J.J. Watt says the Texans' defense has three things that make them dominant and a Super Bowl contender: Talent, mentality and coaching. Jonathan M. Alexander has the story on J.J.'s view of his former team.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

01/06/1980 - Houston Oilers Mike Renfro (82) catches a Dan Pastorini pass over the fingers of Pittsburgh Steelers' cornerback Ron Johnson (29) for an apparent touchdown in the third quarter at Three Rivers Stadium. Following an officials' huddle and brief delay, referee Jim Tunney signaled the catch incomplete which nullified the score.

Photo by: George Honeycutt, Houston Chronicle

The 'catch'

Mike Renfro has found success in the horse racing business, but he can't ever escape The Catch That Wasn't in the Oilers' heartbreaking loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

Injury report: Houston Texans rookie safety Jaylen Reed returned to practice and cornerback Kamari Lassiter said he will play against Pittsburgh. Read More
Streaks: Two long streaks — one good, one bad — are on the line when the Texans and Steelers begin the playoffs. Read More
Watch party: Tickets for Monday night's watch party at NRG Stadium for the Texans-Steelers playoff game were free, but they still ran out. There will be other events at the stadium this weekend. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrates the team's 100-97 win over the Phoenix Suns at the Toyota Center in Houston on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

The next milestone for Kevin Durant? Passing Wilt Chamberlain's points total

Kevin Durant is 15 points away from passing another NBA icon, Wilt Chamberlain, for seventh in the league's all-time scoring.

Houston Astros Jeremy Peña (3) reacts after hitting a double off Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom during the first inning of a MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Astros and Jeremy Peña agree to double his salary to avoid arbitration

Hunter Brown and Jeremy Peña were among nine Astros to reach deals but Isaac Parades and Yainer Diaz appear headed to arbitration.

Florida quarterback D.J. Lagway saw his first college action against Miami on Saturday and could start this week.

Photo by: John Raoux/Associated Press

Former Willis star D.J. Lagway transferring to Baylor from Florida

D.J. Lagway, a Gatorade National Player of the year at Willis, will switch to Baylor where he father Derek was a running back from 1997-2001.

UT moves: The Longhorns, who have lost four running backs, picked up Arizona State's Raleek Brown in transfer portal. Read More
UH tracker: The Cougars have started signing players to make up for those moving on in the transfer portal. Read More
Career over: Senior missed most of 2025 season with a foot injury but played two quarters over the four-game limit to earn another season. Read More
Johnny's story: Johnny Manziel finally tells the story of his night out in Miami that led to him missing the Texas A&M College Football Playoff game and no-showing his appearance on ESPN's College GameDay. Read More