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Leadoff

Alex Verdugo #24 of the New York Yankees reacts after catching a fly ball for the final out of the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on March 31, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Astros 'checked in' on former Yankees outfielder in free agency

Will Alex Verdugo flip sides in the American League rivalry?

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 17: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against Jevon Carter #5 of the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at the United Center on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

'He's f---ing balling': Rockets rookie explodes for 49 points in G League

Houston's young sharpshooter is coming into his own.

Cheap Seats

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 05: Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans jogs off the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-14 at Nissan Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The X-Factor

In the Cheap Seats, Chron sports writers answer burning questions from readers.

Who is the X-factor for the Texans on Saturday?

Chron sports reporter Michael Shapiro:

Let's tab a segment of the team rather than an individual as we preview what should be a tight wild card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Houston's offense is at its best this season when it stays ahead of the sticks, avoiding 3rd-and-long with a heavy dose of running back Joe Mixon churning out chunks of yards on early downs. That formula was lost in recent weeks. Houston tallied just 57 rushing yards in a Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, then struggled to generate success on the ground against the Baltimore Ravens in a 31-2 Christmas Day shellacking.

Los Angeles sports the best scoring defense in football. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is an expert at limiting big plays. The best plan of attack for Houston's offense Saturday? Ride Mixon early and often, with the running back and his offensive line standing as the most important players for Houston in their playoff opener.

The Rundown

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: A view of Cowboys Stadium with snow on the roof before Super Bowl XLV Media Day on February 1, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas area was hit with winter weather late yesterday evening causing road and school closures in the area. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

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Houston Texans center Jarrett Patterson (54) and guard Tytus Howard (71) drop back into pass protection in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Houston. Howard moved to left guard from the right tackle position against the Dolphins.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

How injured Texans stay engaged even though they can't help on the field

When players go on injured reserve, their season is over. Physically. But some Houston Texans like Jalen Pitre stick around to help.

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