Texans playoff picture: How win over Chargers impacts AFC wild-card race, Houston's postseason chances

The Texans’ defense is arguably football’s best in 2025. On Saturday, it proved why.

Houston’s rearguard was fairly impenetrable in its Week 17 win over the Chargers. The unit regularly breached Los Angeles’ protection, sending Justin Herbert to the canvas more times than most en route to a hard-fought victory.

The win was a notable one for DeMeco Ryans’ side. Not only did it flex its might against another AFC contender, but the Texans also shook up the playoff bracket — if only briefly.

Here’s what you need to know about Houston’s playoff picture following the win over Los Angeles.

Texans playoff picture

With their win on Saturday, the Texans dashed the Colts' postseason hopes. There's still plenty to play for among the sides who have punched their ticket to the postseason. The Texans have a chance at capturing the AFC South title, although they'll need a minor collapse from the Jaguars to make their push for divisional supremacy turn into a reality.

*indicates a team has clinched a playoff berth.

AFC wild-card standings

Houston moved past the Chargers in the AFC wild-card rankings with its win on Saturday. If the season were to end today, the Texans would travel to Jacksonville to take on their divisional rivals the Jaguars in the first round of the playoffs.

Things are still subject to change in the final week — Houston holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over both the Bills and Bolts. But the Texans' tiebreaker advantage won't come into effect unless Buffalo drops one of its final two contests.

AFC South standings

Houston currently holds the tiebreaker over Jacksonville by way of superior record against divisional foes, although the Jaguars could level that mark with a win against the Titans in Week 18. If Jacksonville were to lose in to the Colts in Week 17 and beat Tennessee in Week 18 and the Texans bested Indianapolis in its regular-season finale, the tiebreaker would move to record against common opponents. The Jaguars' win over the Broncos' could play a major role here; Houston lost its fixture with Denver.

If Liam Coen's side wins out, it will take home the AFC South title.

Texans remaining game

Houston has one game remaining in its regular season slate: a home matchup against the Colts.

That contest is certain to have postseason implications.