For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Texans can call it a three-peat.
Even with a slow third quarter, the Texans’ hot offensive start behind two touchdown passes to a pair of rookie wideouts secured a 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, therefore securing an 11th win and playoff berth for a third year behind DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud.
Not only does Saturday’s victory help expand on Houston’s NFL-leading eight-game winning streak, but it also marks the sixth consecutive one-score victory for the back-to-back AFC South champions. It’s a big deal since the Texans started 3-5 with five one-score losses to begin the year.
Not only did the victory secure a playoff bid for Houston, but it also eliminated the Indianapolis Colts from contention behind 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers. The Texans are also only one game behind Jacksonville for the AFC South lead, meaning a Colts win would keep Houston’s chances of winning the division title for a third straight year alive for another week.
After starting off 0-3, the Texans join the 2018 squad, along with six others, to make the playoffs since starting off slow to begin a new year.
The Texans will either be as high as the No. 3 seed in the AFC Playoffs or No. 7, depending on the outcome of several other games entering Week 17. To clinch a division title, Houston still must defeat the Colts and secure a 12th win, which would tie the franchise single-season record for most wins in a year.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans make franchise history, secure third consecutive playoff bid
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
