The final week of the NFL regular season is upon the sports world, and with it comes the last of playoff scenarios, some of which read like a spell out of witch’s spell book.
For the Houston Texans, there is no amount of magic that will get them out of wild-card weekend. Nonetheless, they could improve their seeding in the AFC playoffs.
1. los angeles chargers vs. kansas city chiefs
If the Chiefs beat the Chargers, then they could be in play to get the No. 2 seed, presuming the New England Patriots lose to the Miami Dolphins, which is almost an impossibility given how much Bill Belichick covets a first-round bye. Kansas City could be scoreboard watching, which could mean they start to pull their starters if things get out of hand with Miami and New England.
Why should the Texans care
If the Chargers beat the Chiefs, then the Texans could get the No. 3 seed if they beat the Tennessee Titans in the 3:25 p.m. CT game at NRG Stadium Sunday. What that would do for the Texans is give them a shot to either face the Titans again next week for wild-card weekend or host the Pittsburgh Steelers, or if things get really crazy, host the Oakland Raiders.
A win in the wild-card round as the No. 3 seed would send Houston to New England for the divisional round.
2. miami dolphins vs. new england patriots
If the Patriots beat the Dolphins, they get the No. 2 seed and continue their tradition of having a first-round bye every year since 2010. They don’t need the Chiefs to lose, although that also guarantees they get the No. 2 seed.
Why should the Texans care
If the Patriots can lose, then the Chiefs can go ahead and beat the Chargers, and Arrowhead Stadium is a venue the Texans have actually won in as opposed to Gillette Stadium.
3. oakland raiders at denver broncos
The Raiders need plenty of help. If they beat the Broncos, the Titans lose to the Texans, the Steelers lose to the Ravens, the Colts win, and either the Bears, Lions, Chargers, or Patriots win or tie, then the Raiders get into the playoffs.
Why should the Texans care
It would be an easier opponent for them to face in the wild-card round. Houston vanquished the Raiders Oct. 27 with a 27-24 score.
4. pittsburgh steelers vs. baltimore ravens
If the Texans beat the Titans, all the Steelers have to do is beat the Ravens, who already have the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage all locked up.
Why should the Texans care
The Steelers are a well-coached team and that could be a problem if they faced them in the wild-card round, presuming the Chiefs lost and the Texans won. Otherwise, the Steelers getting in would mean they would go to Kansas City and could pull off an upset. If they did, and Houston won, Houston would go to New England.
5. tennessee titans vs. houston texans
If the Titans win, they are in. Houston would need the Chiefs to lose to move up to the No. 3 seed, which might mean seeing the Titans the very next week. Or, it could mean seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers. Either way, a win means they go to New England for the divisional round and avoid Baltimore.
Why should the Texans care
They really shouldn’t. Houston should rest up and get ready for the Buffalo Bills.
