Tue Jan 13 02:10:00 UTC 2026: # Woody Marks Primed for Playoff Debut as Texans Ride Nine-Game Win Streak
The Story:
Texans rookie running back Woody Marks is set to play a pivotal role in the team’s AFC Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. After earning the starting job in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Marks has been instrumental in the Texans’ NFL-leading nine-game winning streak. While his statistics may not be record-breaking, his consistent contributions and timely bursts have earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates as they head into the playoffs.
Marks, a fourth-round pick from USC, is embracing the playoff challenge, recognizing it as an opportunity to establish himself on a national stage. With injuries impacting the running back room, the team is relying on his health and his ability to keep the Steelers defense honest.
Key Points:
* Woody Marks took over as the starting running back in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
* The Texans are on a nine-game winning streak with Marks as the primary running back.
* Marks has 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season.
* The Texans face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round on Monday night.
* Injuries to Jawhar Jordan and reduced carries for veteran Nick Chubb increase Marks’s workload.
* Marks is under a four-year, $6.001 million contract.
* Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will be joining the “ManningCast” during the Texans-Steelers Playoff game.
Critical Analysis:
The historical context provided indicates a few areas of interest surrounding the game. The fact that Ben Roethlisberger, a former Steelers quarterback, is joining the “ManningCast” broadcast suggests a high level of national interest in the game. The “Texans Announce Good News” before the Wild Card game suggests that the team will enter the contest at full health.
Key Takeaways:
* The Texans’ success is linked to Marks’ emergence as the lead running back during their winning streak.
* Marks is entering a crucial phase of his career, with the playoffs offering a platform to prove his long-term value.
* The Texans are managing Marks’s workload to prevent overexertion, highlighting a long-term investment in the rookie.
* Injuries within the running back position are forcing the team to rely heavily on a rookie during a critical game.
* The Texans appear to be at full strength for their playoff game versus the Steelers.
Impact Analysis:
Marks’s performance in the playoffs could significantly impact his role and standing within the Texans organization moving forward. A strong showing could cement his position as the primary running back, leading to increased opportunities and potentially a larger contract in the future. Conversely, a lackluster performance could raise questions about his ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes games and could affect the team’s long-term plans at the running back position. The success of the Texans playoff run will heavily rely on the health and performance of their rookie running back.
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