Houston, Texas – The final week of the NFL regular-season began with an exciting doubleheader on Saturday. The Houston Texans secured their first playoff berth since 2019 by defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 23-19, on the road. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud put on a remarkable performance, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did this victory clinch a playoff spot for the Texans, but it also kept their hopes alive for winning the AFC South.
Meanwhile, in another Saturday game, the Pittsburgh Steelers boosted their playoff chances by defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 17-10. However, the Steelers have not yet secured a spot in the postseason. They will need assistance from other games on Sunday to solidify their playoff position.
Considering the playoff picture, let’s take a look at the current standings heading into Sunday’s games.
In the AFC, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have a chance to make the playoffs with a record of 9-7. If they defeat the Tennessee Titans, they can win the AFC South and face the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, their loss on Saturday significantly narrowed their path to the playoffs. A loss against the Titans on Sunday would allow the Texans to clinch the division instead.
The Indianapolis Colts, who had a record of 9-8, saw their playoff hopes crushed with their loss to the Texans. They have been eliminated from postseason contention.
Moving on to the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks (8-8) are still in the running. A victory against the Arizona Cardinals and a loss by the Green Bay Packers to the Chicago Bears would secure a playoff spot for the Seahawks.
The New Orleans Saints (8-8) can win the NFC South if they defeat the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the Carolina Panthers. They could also earn a wild-card spot with a win over the Falcons, combined with losses by the Packers, Seahawks, and Buccaneers.
The Minnesota Vikings (7-9) have a slim chance of making the playoffs. They would need to defeat the Detroit Lions, while the Seahawks, Packers, and either the Saints or the Buccaneers must lose.
Lastly, the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) still have a glimmer of hope. They can only reach the playoffs by defeating the Saints and relying on a Panthers victory over the Buccaneers to clinch the NFC South title.
As the regular-season concludes, the playoff matchups based on the current standings shape up as follows:
In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers would face off against the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills would challenge the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Cleveland Browns would take on the Texans in the wild-card round. The Baltimore Ravens would receive a bye.
In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers would go against the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Rams would battle the Detroit Lions, and the Philadelphia Eagles would meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card matchups. The San Francisco 49ers would enjoy a bye.
With the final week of the NFL regular-season underway, the race for playoff spots intensifies. The Texans and Steelers secured crucial victories, but their postseason fates still hang in the balance. The Jaguars, Colts, Seahawks, Saints, Vikings, and Falcons must all fight for their chance to extend their seasons. Sunday’s games will determine the final playoff picture and set the stage for an exhilarating postseason.