The Houston Texans are now back-to-back AFC South Champions, clinching the division for two straight seasons, and doing it for two straight seasons over the Indianapolis Colts, as this year the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans were no competition, boasting two of the worst records in the entire league.
But this year is a bit different, and because of this difference, there has to be a huge relief for the Texans when it comes to the end of the regular season. Last year, the Texans finished 10-7 last year but had a playoff win over the Cleveland Browns at home in the Wildcard round.
They are currently 9-5 on the year now, one win away from tying their win record last season, with also having three games left, but all three being somewhat tough, two being against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens.
Last year, they had to clinch the division in Week 18 against the Colts in what was basically an extra playoff game. Whoever won that game went to the playoffs, and the Texans won, with incredible showings by everyone but especially C.J. Stroud. This year is different because, well, they already clinched, so they won't have to have that extra playoff game in Week 18.
Their last game of the year is against the Titans, who aren't that great at all. So, the Texans could use that game to rest their starters or key players, rather than playing them like they had to last year, and that is key for a big playoff run, if they can make one.
Either way, the fan base has to be very proud of their team for accomplishing a huge feat, something the team hasn't done since the 2018 and 2019 seasons. And, they now have eight division titles, one less than the Colts who have the most in the division, leading the Titans with four and the Jaguars with two.