Best-case scenario: Houston blew an opportunity to clinch the top seed in the AFC at home on Sunday when it lost 23-6 to Minnesota. Now, the Texans hit the road to face the Colts with another opportunity to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. All the Texans have to do to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC is win. Houston could also clinch the top seed if both the Patriots and Broncos lose.
Here is how Houston can clinch home-field advantage this weekend:
- Texans win OR
- Texans tie plus Broncos loss or tie OR
- Patriots loss or tie plus Broncos loss
Here is how Houston can clinch a first-round bye this weekend:
- Texans win or tie OR
- Patriots loss or tie OR
- Broncos loss
Worst-case scenario: The Texans could find themselves playing a home game next week on the first weekend of the playoffs. For that to happen, Houston would have to lose at Indianapolis, Denver would have to beat Kansas City, and New England would have to win against Miami. Both the Broncos and Patriots are double-digit, home favorites. If the Texans end up losing Sunday, there is a very real possibility they will be playing a home playoff game on wild-card weekend.
Reality: All of a sudden, this game means a lot more to the Texans than it does to the Colts because Indianapolis has already clinched a playoff spot and can't move up. Houston beat Indianapolis 29-17 on Dec. 16, and even though this game is on the road, a motivated Texans team should beat the Colts and clinch the top seed in the AFC.
For complete NFL playoff scenarios, check out the CBSSports.com Playoff Picture.
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter, @CBSTexans.
