Houston Texans playoff scenarios: Who will they play in the playoffs?
The Houston Texans are headed to the playoffs, but at this point we still don't know who they will be playing.
The Texans are locked into the AFC's fourth-seed in this year's playoffs, which means they will host the fifth-seed in the conference.
So who will that be? There are three teams that have a chance to land the fifth seed in the AFC and earn a trip to NRG Stadium for the Wild Card round.
Texans fans should keep an eye on three games on Sunday: the Cleveland Browns against the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers against the Las Vegas Raiders.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans drops back to pass the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Here are the possible opponents.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) are the Texans' most likely opponent.
Here's How It Happens: There are several paths for the Steelers to play the Texans.
If the Ravens, Steelers and Chargers all WIN or TIE, the Steelers will play the Texans.
If the Ravens, Steelers and Chargers all LOSE, the Steelers will play the Texans.
If the Ravens and Steelers both WIN or TIE and the Chargers LOSE, the Steelers will play the Texans.
If the Ravens WIN and the Steelers and Chargers LOSE, the Steelers will play the Texans.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) could also be the team to take on the Texans.
Here's How It Happens: The path for the Chargers to play the Texans is pretty straightforward.
If the Chargers WIN and the Steelers LOSE or TIE, the Chargers will play the Texans.
Baltimore Ravens
There is also an outside shot that the Texans will take on the Baltimore Ravens (11-5). It would be a rematch of the Texans' 31-2 loss on Christmas Day.
Here's How It Happens: The Texans will play the Ravens if Baltimore loses control of the AFC North.
If the Steelers WIN and the Ravens LOSE, the Texans would play the Ravens.