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Have the Texans dug too deep a hole?
The Houston Texans have dug a hole so deep this season that they've left no room for error.
The Texans are 3-5, in ninth-place in the AFC standings, and two games behind the Jaguars for the seventh and final playoff spot. They are 1½ games behind the Chiefs, who are off this week but play the Broncos when they return next week.
A win this week against the Jaguars brings the Texans within one game of their division rival.
But a loss will all but guarantee they won't make the playoffs.
According to the NY Times' playoff simulator, the Texans currently have a 2% chance to make the playoffs. But if they lose Sunday, that percentage drops to below 1%. If they win, their chances increase to 4%.
It's not just that the Texans' remaining schedule gets tougher. They have games against the Bills, Chiefs and Chargers still left. The issue is the teams ahead of them. Though the Chiefs (5-4) are in eighth place, they have the most experience and have won three of their last four games.
The Chargers (6-3), who are in sixth-place have won their last three games. And the Bills (6-2), who are in fifth-place, have shown no signs of slowing down either.
The Texans need to win these next four games against the Jaguars, Titans, Bills and Chiefs and have some help from others.
But as good as that sounds, it's easier said than done.
The hole Houston dug during the first half of the season just feels too deep.
![]() | Jonathan M. Alexander, Texans beat reporter |
Fantasy studs and duds

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle
Start
TE Dalton Schultz
Why: He leads the Texans with 38 receptions and is second...
⚠️ Houston Chronicle susbscribers get access to Fantasy Studs and Duds, where I give you tips on who to start, who to sit and who to watch on your fantasy football team. Subscribe now to get next week's tips.
Texans Trivia!
Monday's question: Janice McNair was the fourth person inducted into the Texans' Ring of Honor. Who was the first?
Answer: Bob McNair. Shoutout to Michael Brooke for being the first one to answer this correctly!
The next Trivia question will be in Friday's newsletter.
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Top Stories

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle
Start or sit?
Pick up Dalton Schultz if he's still a free agent in your Fantasy League and start him. Here's why.
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JMA's Prediction

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle
While I wouldn't be shocked if Davis Mills led them to victory, I think it'll be tough without C.J. Stroud.
Prediction: Jaguars 24 Texans 20
Sidenote: Check out my story on Mills, which will post tomorrow morning on our website.
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