Every year, the NFL playoffs produce one or two teams that ruin somebody’s season. This year, those teams are the Houston Texans and the Green Bay Packers.
Neither comes in with the flashiest records. Neither dominates highlight shows. But both are built in a way that travels, shortens games, and creates real problems for higher seeds that would rather face almost anyone else.
Houston is built to drag teams into the mud
Houston might not scare people with big-name offensive numbers, but they are quietly one of the most complete playoff-style teams in the league.
The Texans sit at 10–5, are riding a seven-game winning streak, and have a 97% chance to make the postseason with an outside shot to win the AFC South. More importantly, they are elite on defense — ranked first in total defense and fourth against the run, while also owning a winning road record.
They don’t need fireworks.
They give up just 16 points per game, score 23, and consistently win the field position and situational battles that matter in January.
Houston’s offense is middle of the pack statistically — 16th passing, 23rd rushing — but that actually plays into their playoff identity. They protect the ball, hit timely throws, run the ball just enough, and let their defense dictate the game.
If Houston lands in the 7-seed, whoever draws them is walking into a low-possession, high-pressure game where every mistake gets punished. Defense, special teams, and situational football travel — and the Texans do all three very well.
They may not look scary. They are.
Green Bay might be the most dangerous team on the field
Green Bay has already clinched a playoff spot at 9-5-1, but don’t let the record fool you — this is not a soft wild card team.
The Packers are sixth in total defense, ninth against the run, and own a winning road record. That alone makes them a problem. What makes them terrifying is the other side of the ball.
Jordan Love is playing like a franchise quarterback, and he’s leading a top-12 offense that scores 24 points per game. That gives Green Bay something Houston doesn’t have — real shootout capability if a game turns chaotic.
And then there’s Josh Jacobs, the exact type of physical, downhill runner who changes playoff games. He forces defenses to tackle and play honest football — the kind that wears teams down over four quarters.
Green Bay can win ugly.
They can win pretty.
They can win on the road.
That versatility is what turns a “lower seed” into a season-ending threat.
The kind of teams that break brackets
Higher seeds earn their advantage. But playoff football isn’t about reputation — it’s about who can shorten games, punish mistakes, and stay mentally and physically tough for 60 minutes.
Houston and Green Bay are both built that way.
They’re disciplined.
They travel.
They defend.
They don’t beat themselves.
And that’s exactly why, when the bracket is revealed, these are the logos every top seed will quietly hope doesn't end up across from theirs.