They’re not out, but finding a way in just got a lot trickier.
After a 24-21 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans now hold the No. 1 spot in the AFC South and the tie-breaker.
But the Titans could still take back the division — the team just needs a few things to go their way.
In order to sit atop the AFC South, Tennessee needs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to beat the Texans on Saturday, to beat the visiting New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Nissan Stadium and to secure a road victory over the Texans in Week 17.
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If the Titans can’t take the division from Houston, there are still scenarios for them to get the second wildcard spot.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers finish out with an overall record of 9-7 or worse, the Titans could still edge their way into the postseason with a win over the Texans.
If the Titans win out and finish 10-6, they can take the wildcard spot as long as the Steelers lose to the New York Jets or the Baltimore Ravens.
If the Titans lose to the Saints but beat the Texans and find a way to go 9-7 yet again, they can get in so long as the Steelers lose to the Jets or Ravens, and the Colts lose to the Saints, Carolina Panthers or Jacksonville Jaguars.
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If the Titans still go 9-7 but defeat the Saints and lose to the Texans, they can get in if the Steelers lose both of their contests and the Colts lose to the Saints, Panthers or Jaguars.
If the Titans lose out and finish 8-8, they can get into the playoffs as long as the Steelers lose both games and the Colts fall in two of their final three.
Confused yet?
The Titans will face the Saints at 12 p.m. CST on Sunday in Nissan Stadium.