Texans playoff picture: Updated matchup scenarios for Houston in 2026 NFL bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Texans have clinched a playoff berth heading into Week 18. The Texans are postseason-bound for the second time in as many years in the DeMeco Ryans era.
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Houston had a chance at the AFC South title in Week 18, but the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans to lock down the division. The Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts which secured the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs for Houston.
Here is more on the Texans’ seeding for the 2026 NFL playoff bracket.
LIVE:Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 18
NFL playoff bracket 2026
NFL playoff bracket 2026 (Week 18)
Texans playoff picture
Houston entered the week with a chance at the No. 3, 5, 6, or 7 seed in the AFC playoffs. With the win over the Colts, the Texans have locked down the No. 5 seed and will go on the road in the first round of the playoffs to take on either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Baltimore Ravens.
Seed
Team
Record
1
Denver Broncos*
13-3
2
New England Patriots*
13-3
3
Jacksonville Jaguars*
13-4
4
Pittsburgh Steelers
9-7
5
Houston Texans*
11-5
6
Los Angeles Chargers*
11-5
7
Buffalo Bills*
11-5
8
Baltimore Ravens
8-8
9
Indianapolis Colts – eliminated
8-9
10
Miami Dolphins – eliminated
7-9
11
Kansas City Chiefs – eliminated
6-10
12
Cincinnati Bengals – eliminated
6-11
13
Cleveland Browns – eliminated
5-12
14
New York Jets – eliminated
3-13
15
Tennessee Titans – eliminated
3-14
16
Las Vegas Raiders – eliminated
2-14
*=clinched playoff spot
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MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order heading into Week 18
AFC South standings
With their Week 18 win over the Titans, the Jaguars have clinched the AFC South.
Rank
Team
Record
1
Jacksonville Jaguars
13-4
2
Houston Texans
12-5
3
Indianapolis Colts – eliminated
8-8
4
Tennessee Titans – eliminated
3-13
Texans clinching scenarios
The Texans’ beating the Colts clinched the No. 5 seed for Houston. They will go on the road to face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs.
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