The Houston Texans picked up an enormous win over the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South showdown last Sunday. Now, they can put a bow on a playoff spot this week.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network points out that the Texans can clinch the division title with either a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or a Titans loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Week 16 playoff scenarios: pic.twitter.com/afr4N2CZd6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 17, 2019
In order for them to nail down a playoff berth, all they have to do is tie or see the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the New York Jets.
Houston is currently 9-5 on the season and sits in first place in the AFC South.
Should the Texans wrap up a playoff spot in Week 16, it would mark their fourth postseason appearance in five years. All three of their previous trips to the playoffs during this span have come by way of a division crown.
Article Continues BelowHouston entered this season as the favorite to repeat as AFC South champions, although no one thought it would be easy.
Of course, Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in Indianapolis moved the needle more toward the Texans, and the Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars were both viewed as inferior clubs, but most generally felt the road to the AFC South title would be tough.
And it has been.
Houston has been engaged in a tight battle right from the start, but over the last several weeks, injuries have doomed the Colts, and while the Titans were red hot, the Texans cooled them off this past Sunday.
Now, Houston can punch its ticket to the playoffs yet again.