The Texans have a chance to clinch the AFC South if they win out, but a loss on Saturday may give them pause for the Week 18 strategy.
The NFL playoff picture will get a lot more clear after the Week 17 slate wraps up, and some teams are looking at a massive seed change depending on the final two games of the regular season. The only division that has been clinched is the NFC East by the Philadelphia Eagles. A race to keep watch of is the AFC South battle that could see the Houston Texans jump from the No. 7 seed to the No. 3 slot as the title winners. The 11-4 Jacksonville Jaguars currently lead the AFC South, but should they falter, the 10-5 Texans are hot on their heels.
After Houston began the season 0-3, they now have a chance at clinching a playoff berth this Sunday. The Texans will play the 11-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, and a win over them would clinch a spot. There were two other scenarios heading into Week 17, but one required a Kansas City Chiefs upset that didn’t happen. So, the other way to clinch their spot is an 8-7 Indianapolis Colts loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. If that happens, and Houston doesn’t pull off the win, what should they do with Week 18?
Here is the full story from Texans Roundtable writer Clayton Anderson that breaks down the various scenarios that could include resting the squad.
Despite the NFL expanding to 17 games, they refused to add another bye week to the schedule. The Texans had their bye in Week 6. That will be 12 weeks ago by Week 18. Houston has had a myriad of injuries. Would the best choice be to rest starters in the event of a loss followed by a Colts loss?
Now, the possibility of jumping up to the No. 3 seed is a lot more enticing. They just need Jacksonville to drop one of two games while winning out. But should they drop a game in Week 17, it doesn’t make much sense to wear out the starting roster for a playoff run that will take place entirely on the road.