For the Houston Texans heading into Christmas, the message is simple: Keep winning and see what happens next.
The Texans are now 10-5 after a 23-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and are in great shape heading into Week 17 to make their third straight playoff berth. A win over the Los Angeles Chargers would send the back-to-back AFC South champions back to the playoffs.
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But let’s say the Texans concede on the road at SoFi Stadium on Saturday. Can Houston still make the playoffs before the season finale in Week 18?
Yes. Even with the loss, the Texans will make the playoffs if the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.
Here are the latest AFC Champions League playoff wins and losses heading into Christmas weekend.
Here’s a look at the current playoff picture following Sunday’s Week 16 results. * Indicates which teams have locked up playoff spots.
NFL Playoff Pictures (AFC)
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New England Patriots: 12-3*
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Los Angeles Chargers: 11-4*
The Colts (8-6) and Baltimore Ravens (7-8) also remain in contention for the AFC, although Baltimore likely won’t compete for a wild-card spot as it lost its meetings with Houston and Buffalo.
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After facing the Chargers on Saturday, Houston will host the Colts in Week 18.
Now it’s all about winning. If Houston, 12-5, ends up in a tiebreaker with the Jaguars, Jacksonville will clinch the division title by going head-to-head with the Denver Broncos. Houston will play at home in Week 9 after C.J. Stroud left the game in the second quarter with a concussion.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL playoff pictures: Here’s how the Texans could win their bid in Week 17