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After the Raiders managed to beat the Texans in Mexico City two nights ago, the AFC playoff picture changed yet again. Not for the Texans, mind you; they’re still the third seed in the AFC and projected to host the Denver Broncos in the wild card round. No, the projected seeding changed at the top, with the 8-2 Oakland Raiders taking over the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the 8-2 New England Patriots falling to the second seed. Here’s a link to the entire current playoff picture.
In a game that does have the potential to affect the Texans, the Colts, currently a mere game out of first place in the AFC South, host the Steelers (also 5-5 and in the playoff hunt) in a prime-time showdown tomorrow night. The Colts will likely have to play that pivotal game without Andrew Luck, which would seem to dramatically decrease Indianapolis’ chances to move to 6-5. In turn, that could give the Texans the opportunity to stretch their division lead back to two games if they’re able to handle the Chargers at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.