Texans’ Next NFL Playoff Opponents and Potential Matchups Revealed
The Houston Texans have officially secured their top wild-card spot in the AFC, marking a significant achievement as they head into the playoffs. After a crucial victory against the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans are now positioned to face the AFC North champion in the upcoming postseason. This victory ensures their continuation in the playoff race for the third consecutive season under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Playoff Scenarios for the Texans
In Week 18, the Texans were in a position to clinch a third straight AFC South title. However, they needed both a win against the Colts and a loss by the Tennessee Titans against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans were triumphant, defeating the Colts 38-30, even after resting key players, including quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, the Titans fell short, losing decisively to the Jaguars, which solidified Houston’s wild-card spot in the AFC playoffs.
Upcoming Matchup Details
With their win over the Colts, the Texans are set to compete against the AFC North champion, who will have the worst record among divisional winners. The winner of the Pittsburgh Steelers versus Baltimore Ravens game will determine the champion of the AFC North. A win or tie will secure a playoff berth for the Steelers, while the Ravens require a win to clinch the division title.
Current AFC Playoff Bracket
As of now, the projected AFC playoff bracket looks as follows:
| Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Denver Broncos | 13-3 (Bye) |
| No. 2 | New England Patriots | 13-3 |
| No. 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 13-4 |
| No. 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-7 |
| No. 5 | Houston Texans | 12-5 |
| No. 6 | Los Angeles Chargers | 11-5 |
| No. 7 | Buffalo Bills | 11-5 |
NFL Playoff Schedule
The NFL playoffs will commence on January 10, 2026. Here are the details for Wild Card weekend:
- Saturday, Jan. 10:
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 4:30 PM
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 8:00 PM
- Sunday, Jan. 11:
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 1:00 PM
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 4:30 PM
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 8:15 PM
- Monday, Jan. 12:
- AFC/NFC Wild Card Game: 8:15 PM
Look Ahead to Super Bowl 60
The culmination of the NFL playoffs will be Super Bowl 60, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The kickoff is set for 6:30 PM Eastern Time, and fans can tune in to NBC for coverage.
As the Texans prepare for their playoff journey, their focus remains sharp as they aim for success in the 2025 postseason.
