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Below expectations: The time to pile on Bill O'Brien has probably passed. The Texans went 0-4 before firing O'Brien. They are 4-3 in seven games under interim coach Romeo Crennel.

Deshaun Watson has been on fire the past five games to keep their small playoff hopes alive. They play an enormous division game at home this week against the Colts.

The Tryptophan wore off Monday, suspensions of WR Will Fuller V and CB Bradley Roby making it increasingly unlikely Houston can mount a late playoff charge.

Most important game remaining: Week 13 vs. Indianapolis

At 4-7, the Texans have to win their remaining games for a shot at the playoffs. That starts Sunday when they host the 7-4 Colts. Houston has three remaining AFC South games and is 2-1 in the division (both wins coming against the Jaguars). It is extremely unlikely the Texans will run the table, but with how well quarterback Deshaun Watson is playing, expect them to remain competitive in every game. -- Sarah Barshop

The Texans were feeling good about themselves after Deshaun Watson carved up the Lions for four touchdowns in a blowout win on Thanksgiving, but their holiday cheer was tempered on Monday with the announcement that Will Fuller's season is over after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. It's crushing news for Fuller, who had a monster game against Detroit and was enjoying a career year just as he was set to reach free agency. The six-game ban will carry over to the opener of next season, and you have to wonder how many teams he scared off with this poorly timed development. As for the 2020 Texans, they still have Watson in prime form, but removing his No. 1 option in the passing game is likely to have a detrimental effect -- perhaps substantially so.