Overview
- Houston can secure the AFC South only with a victory over Indianapolis coupled with a Jacksonville loss to Tennessee, and a win would give the Texans a 12-5 finish for their best record since 2012.
- Rookie Riley Leonard is expected to make his first NFL start after coach Shane Steichen ruled out Philip Rivers, with Anthony Richardson considered unlikely to be activated and CB Sauce Gardner dealing with a calf issue.
- The Texans field the league’s top defense in yards and points allowed, rank fourth in interceptions and fifth in sacks, and feature Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and All-Pro corner Derek Stingley.
- BetMGM lists Houston as a 10.5-point favorite entering Sunday’s matchup.
- AFC seeding hinges on other results, with Denver able to clinch the No. 1 seed by beating the Chargers, New England next in line if Denver loses, and Jacksonville able to claim home field with a win if both slip.