The Houston Texans (9-7) might not know who they’re playing next week during the wild-card round, but they’ve done their part in clinching a spot as the AFC South champions.
As for the postseason picture, six spots have been locked up entering Week 18. Three divisions are secure, while a Saturday afternoon will decide the fourth.
The Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) have secured the No. 1 seed in the conference and they are expected to rest their starters against the Denver Broncos in Week 18.
The Buffalo Bills (13-3) are right below Kansas City, who have clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC and will face off against the No. 7 seed.
As of now, the Texans are expected to play one of three teams. If the season were to end today, the Pittsburgh Steelers would head to NRG Stadium as the No. 5 seed.
Even with a potential 10-win season, Houston can’t move past the No. 4 seed in the division. A 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens secured the last spot among division winners. Even if the Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns, they would hold the head-to-head outcome.
Since the Ravens would hold a better record than the Steelers in the AFC North, a win for both teams would secure the former the division. Much like Houston, Pittsburgh has struggled to close out the year, losing three of its last four games.
AFC Playoff Picture
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
- Buffalo Bills (13-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
- Houston Texans (9-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
- Denver Broncos (9-7)
In the Hunt
- Miami Dolphins (8-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
The Texans close out the 2024 season on the road against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.