How Houston Texans’ Playoff Chances Shift After Denver Upsets Kansas City
Date Published
The AFC playoff race tightened on Christmas weekend, and the Houston Texans are suddenly in a stronger position after Denver stunned Kansas City on Sunday. The Broncos’ upset reshaped the wild-card standings and gave Houston a timely boost as the Texans fight through injuries and a crowded conference field.
As of Monday morning, the Texans sit firmly in the postseason mix, holding a potential tiebreaker edge over several AFC rivals. With three weeks left, every result matters, and the shifting landscape could work in Houston’s favor.
How the Broncos’ Win Helps Houston
Denver’s victory over Kansas City dropped the Chiefs further back in the AFC seeding and kept the middle of the conference tightly packed. The Texans now benefit in two important ways. First, the loss gives Houston a clearer path to a higher wild-card slot. Second, it weakens a team that has historically locked down playoff positioning early, which opens the door for upward movement.
Houston also holds key conference wins that support potential tiebreakers. With the AFC South still within reach and several wild-card contenders slipping, the Texans’ postseason math looks far more promising than it did even a week ago.
Why It Matters for Texans Fans
The Texans remain in the thick of the race despite recent injuries, especially at quarterback. A stronger conference position gives Houston more flexibility heading into its final stretch. The team is still battling the Jaguars and Colts for the division crown, but the wild-card path now appears more stable.
Every game from here on is a must-watch for Texans fans. Houston’s playoff odds rise with each AFC rival loss, and Denver’s upset came at the perfect time.
What’s Next
Houston’s remaining schedule includes matchups with playoff-caliber teams, meaning control of their destiny is still possible. If the Texans take care of business and get a little help elsewhere, a return to the postseason — and maybe even a home playoff game — is well within reach.
This article is a summary of reporting by Houston Chronicle. Read the full story here.