The Houston Texans don't always make it look pretty, but that's par for the course for a team driven by its defense.
After falling behind in the second half of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Texans held on and won for the 10th time in their last 12 games after starting the season 0-3.
A seven-game win streak has the Texans dreaming of a deep playoff run, but have they clinched their spot in the postseason yet?
Here's what you need to know about the Texans' playoff chances and how they can punch their ticket.
MORE NFL WEEK 16:
- How Travis Kelce's retirement decision is easy with no Patrick Mahomes
- Panthers take control of NFC South with massive win over Buccaneers
- Myles Garrett inches closer to NFL sack record with obscure half sack
- Gardner Minshew suffers potential ACL tear in first Chiefs game without Patrick Mahomes
- Quinshon Judkins out for season after gruesome leg injury vs. Bills
AFC South standings
| Rank | Team | Record | GB |
| 1 | Jaguars | 11-4 | -- |
| 2 | Texans | 10-5 | 1.0 |
| 3 | Colts | 8-6 | 2.5 |
| 4 | Titans | 3-12 | 8.0 |
The Texans couldn't catch the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South on Sunday with Jacksonville winning in Denver, but Houston's win ensures the race will remain a tight one entering the final two weeks of the season.
The Indianapolis Colts would be eliminated from AFC South contention with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
AFC wild-card standings
| Seed | Team | Record | GB |
| 5 | Chargers | 11-4 | +1.0 |
| 6 | Bills | 11-4 | +1.0 |
| 7 | Texans | 10-5 | -- |
| 8 | Colts | 8-6 | 1.5 |
| 9 | Ravens | 7-7 | 2.5 |
The Texans cannot clinch a playoff berth in Week 16, but the victory did bring them one major step closer to punching their ticket.
A Colts loss on Monday would make Houston's path to clinching in Week 17 much simpler, but the Texans are in control of their fate when it comes to getting into the playoffs.
Elsewhere, Sunday's results were not ideal for the Texans. Houston missed an opportunity to jump higher than the No. 7 seed because the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills both won and the Jaguars maintained their lead in the AFC South.
MORE NFL WEEK 16 NEWS:
- Watch DK Metcalf throw punch at Lions fan on sidelines
- Kenneth Gainwell makes circus catch for potential coach of the year
Texans remaining schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 27 | at Chargers | 4:30 p.m. |
| Jan. 4 | vs. Colts | TBD |
The Texans have a tough test against the Chargers in Week 17, going out to the West Coast to play a critical Saturday game against a likely playoff team.
Houston closes its season against the Colts, though it's unclear whether Indianapolis will still be in playoff contention by Week 18.