Been a while since we could do this!
So I’ll get right to it- here’s the outcomes we are hoping for in each game this week:
#Game by Game
- Seahawks @ Cowboys: Irrelevant
Reasoning: 2 NFC Teams not on our schedule. Close to 0 impact to playoff tiebreakers.
- Chargers @ Patriots: Patriots
Reasoning: Chargers are technically in contention for a wildcard spot.
- Cardinals @ Steelers: Cardinals
Reasoning: Steelers are strong Wildcard contenders. We need them to get some losses.
- Colts @ Titans: Titans
Reasoning: Colts currently have a leg up on us for both division ranking and wildcard placement. We need them to drop some games. Titans aren’t out of contention but are a few games behind.
- Lions @ Saints: Saints
Reasoning: As one of the teams we beat, a Saints dub increases the Texans Strength of Victory, a potential tie breaking criteria. Low impact here either way, but an impact nonetheless.
- Falcons @ Jets: Falcons
Reasoning: Jets are technically in contention for a wildcard spot.
- Dolphins @ Commanders: Commanders
Reasoning: In the one in a million chance that the Texans contend for the #1 Seed, some losses in the top AFC teams will be the reason.
- Panthers @ Bucs: Bucs
Reasoning: SOV boost. Low priority.
- 49ers @ Eagles: Irrelevant
Reasoning: 2 NFC Teams not on our schedule. Close to 0 impact to playoff tiebreakers.
- Browns @ Rams: Rams
Reasoning: Browns are strong Wildcard contenders. We need them to get some losses. Additionally we own their 1st round pick so every Browns loss improves our draft capital.
- Chiefs @ Packers: Packers
Reasoning: In the one in a million chance that the Texans contend for the #1 Seed, some losses in the top AFC teams will be the reason.
- Bengals @ Jaguars: Bengals
Reasoning: If we want a chance to take the AFC South, we need Jacksonville to drop at least half of their last 6 games. The bright side of a Jags win would be further separation of another potential wildcard contender, though with Burrow out for the season that is unlikely for the Bengals
#Most Critical Results to Root For
- Titans over Colts
- Cardinals over Steelers
- Rams over Browns
- Bengals over Jaguars
#Recommended Football Viewing Schedule
Sunday at Noon: Texans vs Broncos
Sunday Afternoon: Rams vs Browns
Monday Evening: Jaguars vs Bengals
Will be interesting to see how we bounce back vs the Broncos in supposedly Primetime according to the NFL