The Texans can lose up to two games and still make the playoffs. Winning the AFC South for the third straight season? It's much more complicated.

The offense has had its ups and downs this season, but since Stroud returned from a concussion that he suffered in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, the unit has begun to find its footing.Stroud has helped propel the offense toward a more balanced attack that delivers explosiveness in the run and pass games.

Texans surge into playoff contention after a crucial win, igniting a fierce three-team race for the AFC South title with five weeks left.

Houston's in-division dominance is nothing new for Ryans, though. In fact, with a 13-4 record against the AFC South within the past three years, Ryans is now the winningest head coach facing division opponents since he was hired in 2023.

The Houston Texans should make the 2025 NFL playoffs. I can say that with extreme confidence. Six weeks ago, this was not the case. The Texans were 3-5, and their starting quarterback was concussed. Six weeks, six games, six wins later, they have a 95 percent chance of going to the postseason.

If the season ended today, the Houston Texans would be in the playoffs. Here's where they stand now, and where they could possibly end up.

Will Woody Marks take the field when the Houston Texans return to NRG Stadium on Sunday to take on the Las Vegas Raiders?