The Facts: The Texans locked up two vital parts of their kicking game Tuesday night. The AFC South champions agreed to new contracts with Novak and nine-time All-Pro punter Shane Lechler, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly.

Diehards Line: Novak was arguably the Texans' most valuable player on offense, bolstering a struggling unit with a franchise-record 35 field goals. He tied for second in the NFL for the most field goals with Philadelphia Eagles kicker Caleb Sturgis. Novak made 16 consecutive field goals late in the season, including making all five kicks and having five touchbacks during a pivotal December win over the Indianapolis Colts that helped the Texans win the division again. Over the past two seasons, Novak has made 48 of 51 kicks inside 50 yards for a 94-percent clip. Meanwhile, Lechler averaged 47.5 yards net and a 40.1 net last season. He placed 30 punts inside the 20-yard line. He has averaged 47.5 yards for his career over 17 NFL seasons.