The Houston Texans have jumped into the 2015 NFL playoff picture in the AFC with their 10-6 victory over the previously unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. However, the Texans still have a long way to go.
They were ranked 11th in the AFC before Monday's victory over the Bengals and remain ranked 11th after their victory over the Bengals. That's because one of their losses is to the Miami Dolphins, who are also 4-5. The Texans lost to the Dolphins so Miami has the head to head tiebreaker.
The Chiefs also have the head to head tiebreaker over Houston, which means the Texans would have to finish a full game better than the Chiefs. That seems unlikely, although it's clear this season that we have no idea what we're talking about.
The Chiefs can put themselves in a really strong position if they can get wins over a.) the teams they should beat but also b.) the Bills and Raiders, who they play three more times total this season. The first tiebreaker used in the Wild Card race is head to head record; the second one used is AFC record. The Chiefs already have head to head tiebreakers over the Steelers and Texans. Miami's AFC record is so bad that the Chiefs would likely win a tiebreaker based on that. The Chiefs also have one fewer AFC loss than the Jets, which could come into play depending on how things shake out.
It's possible but doesn't seem likely (I don't think) that the Texans could win the AFC South. That would put the Colts in the position of competing for the Wild Card.
Find the NFC playoff picture here, and the updated AFC below.
Week 10 AFC playoff standings
(Overall record, AFC record)
1. Patriots (9-0, 6-0)
2. Bengals (8-1, 7-1)
3. Broncos (7-2, 4-2)
4. Colts (4-5, 4-3)
5. Steelers (6-4, 3-4)
6. Bills (5-4, 5-3)
In the hunt
7. Jets (5-4, 4-3)
8. Chiefs (4-5, 3-2)
9. Raiders (4-5, 4-3)
10. Dolphins (4-5, 2-5)
11. Texans (4-5, 3-3)