Houston Texans can clinch NFL playoff berth Sunday

We've reached that time of year when the NFL's Goliaths of the regular season begin to close in on a playoff berth.

Matt Schaub

The 9-1 Houston Texans can be the first team to punch their ticket to the dance if the following goes down in Week 12, according to playoff scenarios released by the NFL:

Convoluted scenario No. 1:

Texans win + Titans loss or tie + Dolphins loss or tie + Jets loss or tie + Bengals loss + Chargers loss or tie

Sounds unlikely? Yeah, probably. How 'bout this one?

Convoluted Scenario No. 2:

Texans win + Titans loss or tie + Dolphins loss or tie + Jets loss or tie + Bengals loss or tie + Steelers loss

What have we learned? Well, the Texans are unlikely to clinch a playoff spot in Week 12. But it is possible, which tells you a lot about how their season is going.

Keep up to date on the race to the postseason with our "Playoff Picture" page. Even you, Eagles fans.

Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.