TL;DR
- Texans overcame an 0-3 start to reach 6-5, contending for an AFC wild-card spot.
- Houston defeated the Bills 23-19, fueled by Will Anderson Jr. and Davis Mills' offense.
- They trail the Colts by 2.5 games in the AFC South and are a half-game behind the Jaguars.
- The Texans hold the No. 8 seed in the AFC playoff picture, trailing the No. 7 Jaguars by a half-game.
The Texans found themselves in an 0-3 deficit to kick off the 2025 NFL regular season. This typically doesn't pave the way for AFC playoff qualification. However, following a 6-2 record over their last eight contests, Houston now stands at 6-5 and is a strong contender for a wild-card spot as the final six weeks approach.
The team secured that record by defeating the Bills with a score of 23-19 at their home stadium to kick off the Week 12 schedule on Thursday night. The Texans have maintained a solid foundation throughout the season, largely due to Will Anderson Jr. And their elite defense, but the offense, now led by starting quarterback Davis Mills, has propelled the team to three straight victories.
Houston's current standing is examined as the team aims for its third straight playoff appearance.
MORE: How Davis Mills outshined Josh Allen on Thursday Night Football
Texans playoff picture
AFC South
With a 6-5 record, the Texans remain 2.5 games behind the leading Colts, who boast an 8-2 record following a Week 11 bye. They are just a half-game behind the second-place Jaguars, who stand at 6-4 after their decisive win against the Chargers.
Indianapolis has dominated the division from the start of the season, though it's worth noting they haven't faced Houston yet. This presents the Texans with a direct opportunity to close the gap by two games and secure a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker. Following their victory over the Bills, the Texans will be keenly awaiting the results of Sunday's matchups between the Colts and Chiefs, as well as the Jaguars and Cardinals.
AFC wild card
Currently, the Texans hold the No. 8 seed in the AFC playoff picture. They trail the 7-4 Chargers, whom they'll face again in Week 17, and the 7-4 Bills, whom they recently defeated, by just one game. The Jaguars, at 6-4 and occupying the No. 7 seed and the last wild card position, are only a half-game ahead of the Texans.
Houston knows it will at least remain the No. 8 seed no matter what No. 9 Kansas City (5-5) and No. 10 Baltimore do on Sunday. While the Chiefs host the Colts, the Ravens host the Jets in the 1 p.m. ET window.
With a 5-2 conference record, the Texans lead the Chiefs (2-4) and Ravens (3-3). They previously defeated the Ravens in Baltimore during Week 5 and are scheduled to play the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 14.
MORE: Josh Allen, Bills' woes continue after ugly TNF loss
Texans' remaining schedule
- Week 13: at Colts
- Week 14: at Chiefs
- Week 15. Vs. Raiders
- Week 16: vs. Cardinals
- Week 17: at Chargers
- Week 18: vs. Colts
The Texans have a "mini-bye" to get ready for a significant journey to Indianapolis, a game that will decide if they remain contenders in the division or must aim for a wild card berth. The presence of two AFC West powerhouses, the Chiefs and Chargers, creates both challenges and chances.
With The Jaguars currently holding the seventh seed at six wins, a 9-8 record and favorable tiebreakers could potentially secure the No. 7 spot. The Texans are on a winning streak, and continuing this momentum offers them a real opportunity to contend, despite facing initial disadvantages.