Nearly three fourths of the way through the NFL season, these five teams need to win to keep, or put, themselves in playoff position.
Last week, the five teams selected were the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers and Rams and the Chicago Bears. The only team to not go home with a victory? The Chargers, and their loss came on a last-second field goal. The other four picked up big wins on their journey to the playoffs.
This week brings another slate of games that are of the utmost importance to several teams. Let’s kick it off with, once again, the Houston Texans.
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) walks off the field following the game against the Washington Redskins on November 18, 2018, at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
5. Houston Texans
After dropping three straight to start the season, the Texans have been on an absolute tear. Winners of seven straight, Houston is looking for its franchise-best eighth consecutive win. For a team that was on the brink of finding a new head coach, leading the AFC South by a nice margin heading into Week 12 is a pleasant surprise.
A win over the division rival Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football would be huge for the Texans, and would all but ensure that they win the division. A prime-time rivalry game is the epitome of a big game, at least in the regular season. Will the Texans be able to take care of business in front of their home fans?
The Titans defense has been very stout all year, so this will be quite a challenge for the dynamic Texan’s offense.
It’s all there to play for. A win and they all but clinch their spot in the playoffs, barring some unforeseen collapse in the final five weeks.