h's up!

Houston Texans host free downtown watch party for big AFC Divisional showdown

Time to get those H's up, Texans fans.

Photo via Houston Texans

The last time our Houston Texans played in a divisional playoff showdown on January 12, 2020, the team got shellacked by 51-31 by the Kanas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the new face of the NFL at the time.

Ah, but what a difference four years makes.

On Saturday, January 20 at 3:30 pm, the Texans will face off against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Current odds have the Ravens — owners of the best regular season record this year — as a 9-point favorite. The Texans also have to contend with Baltimore's frigid weather, blustery winds, and the arms and legs of Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson.

Now, the team boasts C.J. Stroud, who may just be the best player in the NFL today and its new face, as our Ken Hoffman notes. Our fearless rookie coach, DeMeco Ryans — who played in foul weather and snow for years — also ain't afraid of no weather: “I would say, ‘Who cares?," he told the media recently. “Let’s go.’ We’ve got to find a way to make plays.” And let's not forget how the Texans just dismantled the Cleveland Browns last week (literally) — who were also favored before the game.

Here in Houston, fans can scream "let's go” for Stroud, Ryans, and the team at a free, official downtown watch party at Avenida Houston in The Plaza (Avenida de las Americas). The fun begins at 1:30 pm with a fan fest featuring appearances by Houston Texans Legends; Houston Texans cheerleaders; beloved mascot, TORO; the game day emcees, former Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts III and Keisha Nicole; the official game day DJ, Vanilla Trill, and more.

Attendees can enjoy the fest fun before kickoff at 3:30 pm, at which time all eyes will be on the giant LED screens and TVs. As this is a non-ticketed event, walk-ups are encouraged, but fans can also RSVP here. Those planning to attend are advised to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and warm clothing options as the day progresses.

As this is downtown, ride sharing is a smart option; Avenida Houston also offers street parking and garage options (found here). Get updates on the fan fest/watch party via the Texans Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as the team site.

Staying in? The game will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN with Joe Buck handling the play-by-play (who, despite legions of fans stating the opposite, swears he's not a team hater), Troy Aikman on analysis/commentary, and Laura Rutledge handling sideline reporting duties. Fans can also stream live on the Houston Texans app (available on iOS and Google Play) and on NFL+.

are you happy?

Houston continues sad streak as one of the 'unhappiest' U.S. cities

Photo by Damaris Martin on Unsplash

Even with a poor ranking, you still shouldn't ask us to "smile more."

A new nationwide study analyzing the happiest cities in America has determined Houston is slightly happier than it was last year, but it still appears to be one of the unhappiest U.S. cities in 2026.

Houston currently ranks as the 128th happiest U.S. city. Last year, it was No. 151.

WalletHub determined the happiest cities in America based on 29 relevant metrics based on "positive-psychology research" across three main categories: emotional and physical wellbeing, income and employment, and community and environment. As with most WalletHub studies, it compared the 182 most populous U.S. cities.

Fremont, California claimed the top spot as the happiest city nationwide for another year. Bismark, North Dakota and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectfully, rounded out the top three.

Here's how WalletHub ranked Houston across the three key dimensions:

No. 107 – Emotional and physical wellbeing
No. 148 – Income and employment
No. 158 – Community and environment

Despite its low ranking, Houstonians are working hard to improve their city's quality of life year after year, whether its through opening new restaurants, inviting Houston-born stars to perform at the rodeo, or having a strong job market. We also have some of the best museums, a diverse culinary scene, and iconic institutions like the Johnson Space Center. And considering that people keep moving here, Houston must be happier than other places.

Having a good job and a fun social life can qualify as factors that measure happiness, but WalletHub separately emphasized that making more money doesn't necessarily mean "more" happiness.

"For decades, researchers have explored the science of happiness and identified several core factors, including mental well-being, physical health, strong social ties, job satisfaction, and financial stability," the report said. "Still, income has its limits — studies show that earning more than $75,000 a year does not lead to greater happiness."

Elsewhere in Texas
The Dallas suburb Plano and its residents' happiness far outshines the rest of Texas, according to WalletHub. Plano ranked as the 16th happiest U.S. city, and the No. 1 happiest statewide. Austin was the only other Texas city to rank among the top 50, landing in the No. 39 spot.

This is how other Texas cities ranked in the report:

No. 70 – Irving
No. 92 – Garland
No. 106 – Grand Prairie
No. 111 – Dallas
No. 113 – Fort Worth
No. 119 – Arlington
No. 135 – Lubbock
No. 137 – El Paso
No. 140 – Laredo
No. 143 – Amarillo
No. 150 – Brownsville
No. 154 – San Antonio
No. 155 – Corpus Christi

reports san antonio wallethub

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are you happy?

Houston continues sad streak as one of the 'unhappiest' U.S. cities