Houston Texans Playoff Scenarios: A Division Title Or Bust?

Believe it or not, the Texans still could clinch the division title with a win of the Indianapolis Colts

HOUSTON -- Win, and you're in. 

Yes, it is that simple for the Houston Texans entering Week 18's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium following their 26-3 win over the Tennessee Titans Sunday. 

Lose, and best of luck next season. 

And yes, it is equally as simple for the Texans, thus creating more tension and pressure. 

“The time is now,” said Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. “It’s not next year. It’s not the year after that. It’s right now. We have the opportunity to control our own destiny so I’m excited to do that.”

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium  :: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The complex part of the AFC picture is seeding. Houston could win the division or finish as the No. 6 or No. 7 seed depending on outcomes outside of their control. Entering Week 18, only the No. 1, and No. 5 seeds have been secured thanks to wins from Baltimore and Cleveland securing wins on Sunday and Thursday, respectively. 

While the Texans (9-7) can't clinch the No. 2 seed, they could clinch the No. 3 seed with a win over Indianapolis and back-to-back losses from the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City (9-6) closes out the regular season with games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers. 

A win for Houston at Lucas Oil doesn't guarantee the division title. Jacksonville, which ends the regular season at Nissan Stadium against the Titans, holds the tiebreaker over Houston and Indy thanks to its 5-1 division record. 

Houston, which improved to 3-2 in division play, split the series with Jacksonville earlier this season. Indianapolis, which won at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, defeated the Texans in Week 2 and currently holds a half-game lead entering the regular-season finale. 

Texans Dominate Titans, Move Closer To Playoff Contention

If Jacksonville and Houston win, the Texans would take one of two wild-card spots while the Jaguars would claim the AFC for a second consecutive season. If the Texans win and Buffalo were to lose to Miami, they would receive the No. 6 seed. Houston owns the tiebreaker because of a better conference record vs. the Bills, Steelers (head-to-head) and Bengals (head-to-head).

If Buffalo wins, Miami would garner the No. 6 seed while Buffalo would move up to No. 2. Houston would automatically clinch the No. 7 seed and play on the road for every postseason game. 

Entering Sunday evening, the Texans are one of five teams who could still clinch a playoff berth. Jacksonville, win or lose, can make the postseason depending on Denver and Pittsburgh's matchup outcomes. 

The Steelers, who lead entering the second half against the Seattle Seahawks, take on the Ravens. The Broncos, who could be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Chargers, are up by 10 at the time of this writing.