RSS Amplifier

Podcast

Bleav in Texans

Bleav in Texans is your go-to podcast for everything Houston Texans, hosted by former defensive tackle and sports radio host Seth Payne. From game previews and postgame breakdowns to roster updates, coaching analysis, and AFC South storylines, Seth bring decades of on-field experience and sharp commentary to keep Texans fans informed, entertained, and connected. Whether you’re tailgating at NRG Stadium or following the team from afar, this show delivers the pulse of Texans football all season…

bleav.comSource feed ↗50 episodes

Live Last read · last published · next check

Written by

Latest episodes

Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.

Houston Texans Preseason Takeaways: O-Line Progress, Defensive Concerns & Rookie Standouts

The Houston Texans dropped their preseason opener to the Chargers, but the final score doesn’t tell the story. Seth breaks down what stood out after going back through the film—including an offensive line that looked more encouraging than it did in real time and a group of defensive backups that left plenty for DeMeco Ryans to clean up. Plus, a full rookie stock report: Keylan Rutledge continues…

Play

The Texans Lost 27–7… Here’s What Actually Matters

The Houston Texans dropped their preseason opener 27-7 to the Los Angeles Chargers, but the final score only tells a small part of the story. Seth breaks down what actually mattered, including DeMeco Ryans’ concerns about the Texans’ lack of physicality, encouraging signs from the starting offensive line, and strong performances from rookies Keylan Rutledge and Marlin Klein. He also looks at…

Play

What We Know About the Houston Texans After Two Weeks of Training Camp

After nearly two weeks of Houston Texans training camp, we’re starting to get a much clearer picture of this team. Seth breaks down what he feels confident about, what still concerns him, and which players have made the biggest impression so far. C.J. Stroud looks more comfortable and in command of the offense, Jayden Higgins continues to impress, Tank Dell is taking encouraging steps in his…

Play

C.J. Stroud Looks More in Command Than Ever

C.J. Stroud looks more comfortable, decisive, and in command as the Texans move through training camp. Seth breaks down what Stroud revealed about balancing his aggressive instincts with smarter decision-making, improving his command of protections, and learning that he does not always have to be Superman. Plus, Jadeveon Clowney is already making an impact, Keylan Rutledge continues to look like…

Play

Jadeveon Clowney Returns—and the Texans’ Offense Looks Different

Jadeveon Clowney is reportedly returning to Houston, giving DeMeco Ryans another physical, disruptive veteran for an already-loaded Texans defensive front. Seth explains why Clowney’s impact goes well beyond sack totals—and why his ability to set the edge, create pressure and chase plays fits this defense so well. Plus, observations from the Texans’ first padded practice: the offense looks far…

Play

10 Texans Training Camp Themes That Could Define the Season

After two days of Houston Texans training camp, several themes are already beginning to emerge. Seth breaks down 10 early developments that could shape the season, including the offense’s increased physicality, cleaner pre-snap operation, greater emphasis on precision and a renewed commitment to the outside-zone running game. Plus, why the running backs and tight ends could become major parts of…

Play

Oh, You’re a Houston Texans Fan Again? Here’s What You Missed

You gave up on the Texans after that miserable playoff loss to New England. We understand. But training camp is here, so it’s time to reactivate your fandom. Seth takes a chronological—and occasionally sarcastic—trip through everything that happened during Houston’s offseason: the David Montgomery trade, the departures of Tytus Howard, Juice Scruggs and Joe Mixon, the offensive-line overhaul, the…

Play

Ranking AFC South 2026 Position groups

Join Bucky Brooks as he ranks the AFC South position groups against each other going into the 2026 season! Where will the QB's rank?! Who has the best Running Back? Is DeMeco Ryans the best coach in the division or has he been usurped by another? Tune into this exciting episode of the Bucky Brooks show where he lives ranks all of the players by position in the division to determine which team is…

Play

14 Opponents, 14 Questions for the Texans

The Texans will face 14 different opponents this season—and every matchup presents a different question. Can C.J. Stroud and the offensive line handle Buffalo’s new-look defense without much film to study? Can Houston stand up to Cincinnati’s massive defensive front? How will DeMeco Ryans counter Robert Saleh, and can the Texans finally break through against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? Seth goes…

Play

C.J. Stroud Isn’t the Only Texan Facing Pressure

C.J. Stroud may face more pressure than anyone on the Texans this season, but he is far from alone. Seth examines what Stroud must prove before Houston commits to a massive long-term contract—and why waiting another year may be the smartest move. The pressure also extends to offensive coordinator Nick Caley, whose partnership with Stroud must produce a cleaner operation, a functional running game…

Play

Anonymous Execs Love the Texans Defense—But What About C.J. Stroud?

NFL executives, coaches and scouts have spoken—and the Houston Texans' defense is one of the most respected units in football. Seth Payne breaks down ESPN's annual NFL position rankings and explains why Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., Azeez Al-Shaair, Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre are earning league-wide recognition. Are the Texans actually being underrated…

Play

The Texans Earned a B — But Did They Fix the Offense?

The Texans earned solid offseason grades from ESPN and NFL.com—but did they actually fix the offense? Seth breaks down Houston’s biggest moves, including the Will Anderson Jr. extension, Danielle Hunter’s new deal, the decision to move on from Tytus Howard, and the additions of Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller and David Montgomery. He also explains why the Montgomery trade may be the most debatable move…

Play

The Texans Defense Is Getting Respect — But Still Not Enough

The Texans are starting to show up all over the NFL’s offseason rankings — but is the national respect still a little too cautious? Seth reacts to ESPN’s latest position rankings and breaks down where Houston’s defensive stars landed, including Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. He explains why Anderson is more than just an “edge rusher,” why Hunter remains…

Play

The Houston Texans' True X-Factors Beyond C.J. Stroud

Everyone knows C.J. Stroud is the biggest storyline surrounding the Houston Texans in 2026—but what about the factors that could ultimately determine whether this team is simply a playoff contender or a legitimate Super Bowl threat? In this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne looks beyond the quarterback to identify the Texans' biggest X-factors heading into training camp. From Tank Dell's…

Play

Guest Charlie Pallilo on Why the Texans Are a Legit Super Bowl Contender

Houston sports radio legend Charlie Pallilo joins Seth Payne on Bleav in Texans for a wide-ranging conversation about where the Texans stand heading into the season. Charlie explains why he believes the Texans’ win total is one of the easier over calls in the NFL, why their defense gives them such a high floor, and what the offense needs to become for this team to be a legitimate Super Bowl…

Play

C.J. Stroud, the QB Market, and the Texans’ $250 Million Question

C.J. Stroud’s next contract is coming — the only question is when, and for how much. Seth Payne breaks down the looming quarterback market, why the $55 million-per-year benchmark may already be outdated, and how deals for Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, Dak Prescott and others shape the Texans’ decision. Should Houston try to get ahead of the market now, or wait one more year to see…

Play

The Texans’ Defensive Hype Is Real — But Let’s Stress Test It

The Houston Texans defense is getting national love — and for good reason. Mina Kimes and JP Acosta both ranked Houston as the best defense in the NFL, and on paper, it’s hard to argue. The Texans kept their core intact, added Reed Blankenship, drafted Kayden McDonald, and still have the force multipliers that make this defense terrifying: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr.,…

Play

What We’ll Really Learn When Houston Texans Training Camp Starts

The Texans looked sharper during OTAs and minicamp, but the real evaluation starts when the pads come on. Seth breaks down the biggest things he’ll be watching when Texans training camp begins, starting with the offensive line and whether the additions of Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, Keelen Rutledge and the young depth pieces can actually create a more physical identity. He also looks at C.J.…

Play

C.J. Stroud: Excuses or Explanations?

C.J. Stroud’s last two seasons have created a tricky conversation for Texans fans. Are people making excuses for him, or are there legitimate explanations for why he hasn’t consistently looked like the quarterback we saw during his rookie year? On this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne breaks down the biggest factors in the C.J. Stroud debate: the offensive line, receiver injuries, the…

Play

The Houston Texans Didn’t Just Add Talent — They Added an Identity

The Texans didn’t just add talent this offseason — they added a very specific kind of identity. Seth Payne breaks down the major new additions after OTAs and minicamp, including Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, Keylan Rutledge, Foster Moreau, Marlin Klein, David Montgomery, Reed Blankenship and Kayden McDonald. From the offensive line’s nastier edge to Montgomery’s short-yardage value, Foster Moreau’s…

Play

Houston Texans: The Biggest Takeaways From OTAs and Minicamp

The Houston Texans have wrapped up OTAs and minicamp, and Seth Payne breaks down the biggest takeaways from the spring. The defense already looked like a championship-caliber unit last season. Now the larger question is whether the offense has improved enough to help the Texans reach their ceiling. Seth discusses why the offense appears to be starting from a much better place in Year 2 under Nick…

Play

C.J. Stroud Is Checking Every Box, but the Texans Still Have Questions

Texans OTAs are over, and the team is heading into minicamp with plenty of reasons for optimism — along with several questions that cannot be answered until the pads come on. Seth Payne breaks down the biggest takeaways from the spring, starting with C.J. Stroud’s approach to the offseason and the signs that Houston is placing a greater emphasis on pre-snap communication, protection checks and the…

Play

C.J. Stroud’s Best Spring Yet, Tank Dell’s Progress and the Texans’ Biggest OTA Storylines

The Houston Texans are generating plenty of OTA buzz, but which developments actually matter as the team prepares for the 2026 season? Seth Payne breaks down the biggest storylines from the past week, beginning with the glowing reviews surrounding C.J. Stroud. Nick Caserio says this has been Stroud’s best spring since arriving in Houston, while DeMeco Ryans and Will Anderson Jr. have praised his…

Play

Houston Texans: 12 Reasons It’s Okay to Get Excited After Week 1 of OTAs

It’s only the first week of OTAs, so nobody should be making sweeping declarations about the Houston Texans just yet. But that doesn’t mean we have to ignore the encouraging signs. In this episode of Bleav in Texans, Seth Payne breaks down 12 things it’s perfectly reasonable to feel excited about after the first week of offseason practices. Among the topics: Will Anderson Jr. already wrecking…

Play

Texans OTA Takeaways: Stroud, Tank Dell, Will Anderson & Rookie Watch

Seth Payne shares his biggest takeaways from the Texans’ first OTA practice open to the media, including how C.J. Stroud looked, why there’s no reason to panic about Tank Dell’s cautious ramp-up, and how Will Anderson Jr. continues to set the tone by wrecking practice. Seth also breaks down what he saw from the Texans’ rookie class, including Keylan Rutledge, Kayden McDonald, Marlin Klein, Lewis…

Play

E.J. Speed Injury, Texans Free-Agent Options & Cade Stover at Fullback

The Texans suffered a sneaky-important depth hit with E.J. Speed’s quad injury, so who steps up while he’s out? Seth Payne breaks down why Speed mattered to DeMeco Ryans’ defense, how the Texans can replace his role internally, and whether names like Jamal Hill, Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Aidan Fisher, Jake Hansen, Jake Hummel, Marte Mapu, and K.C. Ossai could factor into the linebacker…

Play

The Texans Finally Built a January Football Team

The Houston Texans have been good enough to win regular season games. But are they finally built to win the kind of games that happen in January? Seth Payne breaks down why this offseason feels different for Houston, from the focus on offensive line depth and a more physical run game to the additions of Keylan Rutledge, Kayden McDonald, Reed Blankenship, and David Montgomery. The Texans have…

Play

Houston Texans 2026 Schedule Breakdown: Can They Win 12 Games?

The Houston Texans’ 2026 schedule is here, and Seth Payne goes game by game to predict wins and losses — while finding a reason to respect, fear, or loathe every opponent on the schedule. Seth breaks down the Week 1 matchup against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, Joe Burrow’s Bengals, two division games against the Colts, the Cowboys coming to Houston, the London matchup with the Jaguars, the…

Play

What Texans Fans Should Watch Next: Tank Dell, CJ Stroud & the O-Line

The Houston Texans schedule release is here, but once the excitement fades, what should Texans fans actually be watching next? Seth Payne breaks down the biggest storylines to follow after the schedule drops, starting with the possible return of Tank Dell to the practice field and what it would mean for C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense. Seth also looks ahead to C.J. Stroud’s inevitable contract…

Play

CJ Stroud Has a Runway to Get His Bag

CJ Stroud’s next contract is coming eventually — but maybe the Texans and Stroud are both better off waiting. Seth Payne breaks down why Stroud’s “down year” needs context, including Houston’s lack of a consistent run game, too many third-and-long situations, and an offense that never fully forced defenses to respect the run. With new pieces added up front and David Montgomery in the backfield,…

Play

Houston Texans Rookie Minicamp: Kayden McDonald, Keylan Rutledge & DeMeco Ryans Reveal the Plan

Houston Texans rookie minicamp gave us our first real look at how DeMeco Ryans is introducing this draft class to the standard in Houston. On this episode, I react to the best moments from DeMeco Ryans, Kayden McDonald, and Keylan Rutledge after rookie minicamp. DeMeco made it clear that the Texans’ culture is already established — now the rookies have to catch up. Kayden McDonald showed huge…

Play

Is C.J. Stroud’s New Look a Big Deal for the Houston Texans?

C.J. Stroud looks leaner, sleeker, and noticeably different heading into the Houston Texans’ offseason program — but does that actually matter? On this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne breaks down what Stroud’s body transformation could mean for his mobility, pocket movement, confidence after last year’s concussion, and ability to get back to using his legs as part of the offense. Seth…

Play

Are the Houston Texans the TOUGHEST team in the NFL? DeMeco Ryans is the real deal

Bucky Brooks is joined by his former teammate Seth Payne as they talk about how the Texans have quickly developed into one of the most recognizably toughest teams in the NFL. Everybody knows to look out when they see the Texans defense on the schedule but has the time finally come that we can say the Offensive Line has caught up to the Defensive Line? DeMeco Ryans knows the kinds of guys he wants…

Play

Kayden McDonald, C.J. Stroud & the Ohio State-Texans Pipeline

Seth Payne is joined by Bryant Browning, former Ohio State offensive lineman and host of the Bleav in Buckeyes podcast, to break down why the Houston Texans keep coming back to Columbus for talent. Bryant gives his perspective on Texans draft pick Kayden McDonald, including how McDonald went from short-yardage run stuffer to every-down force for Ohio State, why his ability to anchor is real, and…

Play

Houston Texans Post-Draft: 12 Problems Still Looking For Answers

The draft is over, the dopamine has worn off, and now the real questions start. Seth Payne breaks down 12 lingering concerns surrounding the Houston Texans after the 2026 NFL Draft. This isn’t panic — Seth liked a lot of what Houston did — but every roster still has unanswered questions, and the Texans are no exception. Did Houston actually fix the offensive line, or just reshuffle it? Who starts…

Play

Houston Texans Draft: Smart Strategy or Risky Reaches?

The Houston Texans are coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear identity—but it’s raising a big question: Did they reach… or do they just see things differently? In this episode, I break down the full Houston Texans draft class , including: Why this felt like a need-based draft more than best player available The debate around picks like Marlin Klein and how far ahead of consensus the Texans…

Play

Houston Texans Draft Debate: Did They Reach for Keylan Rutledge?

In this episode of Bleav in Texans , we break down the Houston Texans’ first-round pick of Keylan Rutledge — and why the reaction has been so mixed. This isn’t just about whether Rutledge is a tough, physical offensive lineman. Everyone agrees he is. The real question: Did the Houston Texans evaluate the value correctly? We dive into the biggest concerns from Texans fans, including: Whether…

Play

Houston Texans Draft Preview: 10 Things to Watch

On this episode of Bleav in Texans, we run through 10 things to watch for the Houston Texans in the NFL Draft. Will Nick Caserio trade up, trade back, or stay at No. 28? How will early runs at offensive line or defensive line impact Houston’s board? And which under-the-radar prospects could be in play? We break down the real draft dynamics — from trade scenarios to position value — plus a few…

Play

FanDuel Draft Odds and Sleeper Picks with Seth Payne

The 2026 NFL Draft is here! Seth Payne, former Houston Texan and current host of Bleave in Texans, as well as Austin Swaim, NFL Draft Analyst for Pro Football and Sports Network and PrizePicks, join the Betting with Bearman podcast to break down all things NFL Draft. What will happen after Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 to the Raiders? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…

Play

Houston Texans: Inside the Draft Buzz + The Misunderstood Will Anderson Deal

On this episode of Bleav in Texans , we break down the latest Houston Texans draft buzz and separate real intel from noise as the NFL Draft approaches. From rising prospects to trade scenarios, we dive into what insiders like Adam Schefter and ESPN analysts are hearing—and what it actually means for the Texans at pick No. 28. We also take a closer look at the biggest headline: the Houston Texans’…

Play

Texans Future: CJ Stroud Contract Talk, Will Anderson Priority & Big Decisions Ahead

On this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne dives into one of the biggest questions facing the Houston Texans: when—and how—do you pay C.J. Stroud? After recent comments from Adam Schefter and the Texans’ decision to pick up fifth-year options, Seth breaks down what’s real, what’s speculation, and what Houston’s front office history tells us about how they handle major extensions. Why Will…

Play

The Most Interesting Answers From Texans’ Draft Press Conference

Nick Caserio met the media ahead of the draft—and between him, Chris Blanco, and James Lipford, there were a lot of revealing answers. In this episode, I go through some of the most interesting moments from the Texans’ pre-draft press conference, including how they evaluate offensive linemen, how they're incorporating A.I., and what actually matters when scouting prospects. We also get into: Why…

Play

Texans Draft Deep Dive: Centers, DT Sleepers & A Polarizing Prospect w/Joe Deleone

In this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne is joined by Joe DeLeone ( The Best Pod Available , Ruffino & Joe Show) for a deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft—through a Texans lens. They break down why centers are suddenly a hot topic in this draft , how scheme fit should shape Houston’s decisions, and which prospects actually match what DeMeco Ryans wants up front. The conversation also dives…

Play

What NFL Scouts Really Think About Texans Targets…

In this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne dives into anonymous NFL scout quotes on players frequently mocked to Houston—and why you should take them with a grain of salt. From offensive line prospects like Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller, and Chase Bisontis to defensive tackles like Kayden McDonald and Peter Woods, Seth breaks down what scouts are saying… and where they might be getting it…

Play

Texans Draft Targets You NEED to Know || Luke Easterling Interview

On this episode of Bleav in Texans , Seth Payne is joined by Athlon Sports draft analyst Luke Easterling to break down the top Houston Texans draft targets you need to know heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The conversation dives into Houston’s strategy at pick No. 28, why the Texans are in a unique position to take the best player available, and how their offseason moves have changed the way they…

Play

10 Real Fears Texans Fans Have Right Now

Houston Texans fans feel good right now… but there are still real concerns. In this episode, I break down the 10 real fears Texans fans have right now —from the offensive line, to C.J. Stroud’s development, to whether this team has actually done enough to take the next step in 2026. This isn’t panic. This isn’t hot takes. This is an honest look at the questions that could define the Texans’…

Play

Texans Can Finally Draft BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE | John Harris Interview

The Houston Texans are in a very different position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft — and it’s a good thing. I’m joined by longtime draft analyst John Harris to break down how the Texans’ free agency moves (Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, David Montgomery, and more) have completely reshaped their draft strategy. Instead of drafting out of desperation… the Texans might finally be able to go best player…

Play

Houston Texans Free Agency Winners: Building a Physical Identity

The Houston Texans are getting tougher up front. We explore how their offseason moves are shaping a more physical, run-first identity—and why that could be key to success this season. After the first few days of free agency, I was growing concerned that the Houston Texans wouldn't attack the offensive line rebuild with the ferocity I had hoped for. The signings of Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith…

Play

What's The Next Step For C.J. Stroud? Matt Simms Weighs In

What does C.J. Stroud need to do to reach his full potential in this Texans offense? Matt Simms of Simms Complete on BLEAV joins the show to discuss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Play

Why I'm Not Angry With The Texans Free Agency Strategy...Yet

The Texans have taken a less than aggressive approach to bolstering the offensive line. Seth is okay with the strategy for now, but only if they actually EXECUTE the strategy. In this episode: 2:34 Why the O-line strategy just might work 10:42 Reviewing the Grades that people have given the Texans in free agency so far 19:09 The "new" Titans uniforms are just weird Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…

Play