Where do the Texans stand in the AFC playoff race entering Week 13?

The Houston Texans seemed back to their winning ways for six days following a 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11.

Then came Sunday and back to reality.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 70-yard pass in the fourth quarter to secure a 32-27 victory over the Texans at NRG Stadium in Week 12.

“Just way too many negative plays defensively, like unexplainable explosives for touchdowns,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We just didn’t play good across the board. That starts with me, obviously. We weren’t ready to go as a team, so that starts with me.”

While the defense recorded eight sacks,13 tackles for loss, and an interception returned for a touchdown, Houston’s offense could find a rhythm again in the second half. C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions and never found his way into the end zone over the last 30 minutes.

Sitting at 7-5, the Texans remain two games above the Indianapolis Colts in the division for the AFC South title and three games above the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. With wins over Jacksonville and Indianapolis, Houston could sweep both rosters should it win in Week 13’s road trip out to Duval County.

Well, at least in theory it’s possible.

Does that mean Houston would get a bye in the AFC playoff? Right now, no. The Texans would technically be the lowest seed among division winners should the season end on Sunday. They would host a playoff game against the top-seeded wild-card roster, which appears to be the runner-up of the AFC North.

With a win, the Texans would take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round for the first time since 2019.

Here’s a quick look at the AFC standings entering Week 13:

AFC East

Nov 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) handoff the football to running back De’Von Achane (28) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

1. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
2. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
3. New York Jets (3-8)
4. New England Patriots (3-9)

AFC North

Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Chargers with offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten (70) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the second half at…