NFL playoff picture: What does Texans-Colts mean for AFC standings in Week 18

Jan 4, 2026 - 19:30

The Houston Texans host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon to close out their 2025-26 regular season schedule. The Texans are headed to the playoffs, but a win and some help from the Jaguars could put them in an even better position heading into the playoff tournament. On the other side of things, the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention and are looking to finish the season on a high note.

The Texans can still win the AFC South title, so it is no surprise that head coach DeMeco Ryans announced the team will play their starters in Week 18. On the other hand, the Colts are starting rookie quarterback Riley Leonard in the final game of the season. Indy signed Philip Rivers to try and reach the playoffs, but now that they are eliminated, the team is moving on from Rivers. Notably, Anthony Richardson is practicing in full this week, but he will not get a start to close out the season.

The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET, which is the same time as the Jaguars-Titans game. Houston is a 10.5-point favorite while Jacksonville is a 12.5-point favorite.

Houston Texans playoff picture

The Texans have secured a wild card berth and head into Week 18 holding the No. 5 seed. If they win on Sunday and the Jaguars lose, Houston will clinch the AFC South title and the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff bracket. If the Texans lose or finish their game in a tie, or the Jaguars win or finish their game in a tie, Jacksonville will win the division.

If Houston does not win the division, they could finish anywhere from the No. 5 to the No. 7 seed depending on how the Bills do against the Jets and how the Chargers do against the Broncos. The Texans hold the tiebreaker over the Bills and Chargers because they swept their matchups with both teams. If the Texans lose on Sunday, the only way they slip to the No. 7 seed is if both the Bills and Chargers win.