The Houston Texans' playoff chances are in their own hands. It's "win and you're in" for Houston, meaning this weekend is essentially a playoff game. Let's discuss the Houston Texans' playoff chances and playoff scenarios heading into the final week of the season.
AFC Playoff Picture
While most of the teams in the AFC Playoff picture are set, there are a couple of spots up for grabs and we could see a lot of shuffling. On top is the Baltimore Ravens, who have locked up the bye week. After that, there is still plenty to be decided.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills play in the final game of the regular season. The winner will win the AFC East. While the Dolphins have clinched a playoff spot, a loss for the Bills could drop them out of the playoffs altogether. Another important divisional game is between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. The winner will make the playoffs, and winning the division isn't out of the question either, as the Jacksonville Jaguars could also fall out of the AFC Playoff picture with a loss.
Finally, you cannot count the Pittsburgh Steelers out yet. A win and either a Bills or Jaguars loss would get them into the dance despite all of their quarterback issues. They may be able to sneak in with a loss as well. Craziness.
Let's take a look at the AFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the AFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.
The Houston Texans' playoff chances look solid right now, and that's because their playoff scenario and destiny are in their own hands. A win on Saturday means Houston makes the dance in CJ Stroud's rookie season, which would be quite the accomplishment.
According to PFF, the Texans' playoffs chances sit at 49%. The ESPN Power Index views the Texans' odds to make the playoffs roughly the same, at 48%. This model also gives the Texans less than a 15% chance to win a playoff game this year. Let's take a look at the Texans' playoff scenarios.
Again, the easiest way for the Texans to make the playoffs would be for them to defeat the Colts on Saturday. If they win this weekend and the Jaguars lose or tie, Houston would actually win the AFC South, which would mean Houston hosts a playoff game. If the Texans lose, they are eliminated. However, a tie would keep them alive and losses from the Jaguars and Steelers would gift the Texans a playoff berth.
Can the Texans Make the Playoffs?
Can the Texans make the playoffs? The answer is absolutely yes! However, if the playoffs started today, the Texans would be on the outside looking in.
The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts play each other on Saturday. The winner of this game will clinch a playoff berth. The winner also still has a chance to win the division, depending on the outcome of the Jaguars' game. If the Texans and Colts tie, Houston will need some help from Jacksonville and Pittsburgh in order to make the playoffs.
Obviously, the Texans' road to the playoffs is in their own hands. You can bet on the Texans' playoff odds in either direction ahead of this weekend's matchup.
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