In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Texans are set to break their season-long trend of playing within the early afternoon window. The upcoming Week 18 game against the Indianapolis Colts will mark their first appearance outside of the 1 PM ET slot, and it couldn't have come at a more critical time, with a playoff spot on the line.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have emerged as one of the most remarkable success stories of the 2023 NFL season. Spearheaded by the impressive performances of rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, they have defied expectations and captured the attention of football fans across the nation.

However, despite their remarkable progress, national exposure has eluded the Texans throughout the season. With a multitude of nationally televised games broadcast on networks such as NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, Amazon, Peacock, NFL Network, and ESPN+, it is astonishing that the Texans have been absent from the spotlight. This week's Saturday primetime game against the Colts, to be aired on ESPN, will finally provide the Texans with the recognition they deserve.

Highlighting the significance of this occasion, NFL Network's Peter Schrager noted that this game will be the Texans' first appearance outside the 1 PM ET window all season long. The team has exclusively played in the early afternoon slot, stacking up a total of 16 games within this timeframe. This unique situation emphasizes just how under the radar the Texans have flown and underscores the rarity of their upcoming primetime showcase.

Looking back at the Texans' schedule, it becomes evident that national exposure has been scarce. In previous seasons, teams were guaranteed at least one appearance on Thursday Night Football, but this practice was discontinued in 2021. The Texans' solitary late afternoon kickoff against the Denver Broncos in Week 13 was even flexed back to the 1 PM ET slot, perfectly encapsulating their lack of visibility.

While it may be understandable that the schedule makers did not anticipate the Texans' resurgence, their achievements this season warrant a larger platform. With their remarkable story and impressive performances in 2023, it is unlikely that the Texans will suffer the same lack of exposure next year.

As the Texans gear up for their exciting primetime clash against the Colts, the stakes couldn't be higher. The victor of this pivotal matchup will secure, at the very least, a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. It is a fitting stage for the Texans to showcase their talent, as they continue to defy expectations and make their mark on the NFL.

In conclusion, the Houston Texans' journey from anonymity to prominence will reach a new milestone in Week 18 as they break out of their early afternoon window and step onto the primetime stage. This long-awaited appearance signifies a significant moment in their season and offers them the opportunity to shine on a national platform. As they face off against the Colts, the Texans aim to validate their remarkable resurgence and cement their place among the NFL's top contenders.