When the Detroit Lions face the Houston Texans this Sunday, it will be a striking contrast to their last meeting in November 2020. Back then, the Texans, led by Deshaun Watson, cruised to a dominant 41-25 win despite both teams ending their season near the bottom of the league. Fast forward to 2024, and both franchises have undergone massive transformations. Detroit (7-1) is now a complete NFC powerhouse, while Houston (6-3) has quickly become one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the AFC.
Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have emerged as one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. Jared Goff is playing at an elite level, leading a dynamic offense powered by playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running back David Montgomery, who has provided a much-needed spark in the backfield. Detroit’s offense is firing on all cylinders, with Goff spreading the ball effectively and Montgomery contributing both in the run game and as a reliable checkdown option. On defense, despite the likely season-ending injury to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions remain a formidable unit. Alex Anzalone leads a gritty linebacker corps, and the secondary—bolstered by second-year standout Brian Branch and playmaking safety Kerby Joseph—has been reformed into one of the league’s most disruptive pass defenses, capable of locking down receivers and creating turnovers.
Meanwhile, under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Houston has become a competitive force in the AFC. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, the 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year, has been solid in his second season, managing games effectively despite being ranked 16th in QBR so far in 2024. Stroud has a talented group of weapons around him, including Nico Collins and Tank Dell. However, Collins’ availability for Sunday is uncertain after he was injured in Houston’s early October matchup against the Buffalo Bills. On defense, 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. has made an immediate impact, helping the Texans become one of the league’s most disruptive and opportunistic defensive units.
Stroud, still maturing as a leader, will face a tough challenge against Detroit’s aggressive defense, particularly its revitalized secondary. Meanwhile, Jared Goff will aim to continue his strong season and guide the Lions to another victory. The Texans’ defense, spearheaded by Anderson and an improving secondary, will look to challenge Goff and slow down Detroit’s high-powered offense.
What Both Teams Did at the NFL Trade Deadline
The NFL trade deadline closed on Tuesday at 4pm ET, and both the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans made moves to strengthen their rosters for the second half of the season.
The Detroit Lions added veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, sending a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return. Smith’s addition was necessary to help fill the void on the defensive line. Smith, a proven sack artist, will provide crucial depth and a veteran presence, ensuring the Lions’ defense remains disruptive as they make their playoff push.
The Houston Texans were also active, making two moves. They traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick. The Vikings will send a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick to the Texans as part of the deal, depending on Akers’ performance. Additionally, the Texans sent defensive tackle Khalil Davis to the San Francisco 49ers for a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. This move likely clears space for Houston to activate a player currently on injured reserve as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Sunday’s matchup between Detroit and Houston marks a pivotal clash of two teams with legitimate championship aspirations. The Lions have become a complete contender, while the Texans, led by Stroud and Anderson, are proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. This game will be crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their playoff hopes and make a statement on the road to January.