Texans vs. Steelers on Christmas Day, but no Watt vs. Watt

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 24, 2017) On Christmas Day, the Houston Texans will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium in their final home game of 2017. When the season kicked off, this game was viewed by many as a battle between the two of the top teams in the AFC, with both squads headed to the playoffs and hopefully a possible match-up for the AFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl on February 4, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Injuries and misfortune befell the Texans; dooming them to a sub-par season and the possibility of a 6-10 record. In order to get six wins in 2017, Houston must beat Pittsburgh and conclude the season with a road win against Indianapolis (3-12) on New Years Eve. 

With all that being stated, the main attraction of the Christmas Day game was going to be a battle between siblings. It was, early in the season, being billed as "Watt vs. Watt," Houston defensive end J.J. Watt (No. 99, shown above) versus Pittsburgh outside linebacker T.J. Watt (shown below). Older brother J.J. against kid brother T.J.; that is what the fans from both cities wanted to see. 

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved

With J.J. Watt suffering a tibial plateau fracture in the 42–34 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 of the season; having both Watt brothers on the field became a moot point. Now the younger Watt will try to help the Steelers get to the Super Bowl while older Watt will be relegated to a support role on the sideline.

Before the injury; J.J. was getting back to true form after playing only three games in 2016. Prior to the injury, he recorded 15 tackles; 11 of them solo. T.J., in his rookie season, has tallied 44 tackles, 34 of them solo, six sacks, and one interception.

In any case, the game will still be a great match-up for football fans, whether they support the black and gold or the deep steel blue and battle red. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on NBC.