The good news for the Houston Texans? A 31-2 loss against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day won’t affect their playoff outlook.
The bad news? People are up in arms that they’ll host playoff game after failing to score a single offensive point against an underwhelming defense.
Because the Texans (9-7) play in the AFC South, they’ve already clinched a playoff spot. The Indianapolis Colts are the only team within striking distance of Houston and still remain two games back entering Week 17. They also lost both head-to-head battles, meaning the division couldn’t be won if both teams finished with the same record.
But fans are livid that the Texans, who just played two games in four days, looked awful and will still have enough wins to host a playoff game. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins could also finish with the same record yet would have to travel for a playoff game in three weeks.
Houston had a chance to strike before Beyonce took center stage at halftime, but couldn’t gain enough steam to punch it in on fourth-and-goal. After that, the Texans never came close to securing a touchdown as Baltimore went on a 21-0 run.
Yes, this Texans’ team is flawed, but they’re good enough in their division to make it to the postseason. Fans are not in love with the idea of having to watch this version of C.J. Stroud and the Texans play in the postseason.