Chris Kelsay (90) and Marcus Stroud (99) will have Matt Schaub in their sights Sunday (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
It's time for our weekly look at the AFC standings to see where the Texans stand relative to their most important competition.
By taking care of business last Sunday against the 49ers, the Texans earned it's first trip of the year above the venerable happy fan line.
Celebrate, good times come on! (channeling my inner Kool and the Gang from a generation ago).
Enjoy it while you can. Fame is fleeting. Isn't it sad that we feel this way about a 4-3 record after 7 1/2 years?
Anyway, I started this feature as a semi-joke a few weeks ago but as long as I continue to get positive feedback and the Texans remain semi-relevant (and people tell me at tailgates that they read it and actually enjoy reading it) I'll continue to throw it out there every week.
Disclaimer: the margin for teams like the Texans to stay 'above the line' is razor thin and a loss at Buffalo on Sunday would throw the team back into the maelstrom of mediocre-ness.
The Happy Fan Line
Six AFC teams will make the playoffs and there are currently seven teams above the line which at this time of the season I'm still drawing just below the teams with winning records.
The Texans are tied with the Jets for the 6th best record in the AFC at 4-3 but 'if the season were to end today,' they would lose a head to head tiebreaker with Gang Green because of that woeful white out in Week One.
Here's how the AFC currently stacks up:
[6-0] Denver, Indianapolis
[5-2] Cincinnati, New England, Pittsburgh
[4-3] NY Jets, Texans (the happy fan line)
[3-3] Jacksonville, Baltimore, San Diego
[3-4] Buffalo
[2-4] Miami
[2-5] Oakland
[1-6] Cleveland, Kansas City
[0-6] Tennessee (chuckle...)
As you can see, the Texans have a shot to solidify their happy status on Sunday in Western NY and since this is an AFC contest (and the Jags and others are on your heels) it's important that they get this one if they want to continue to be taken seriously as a playoff contender.
I have to give credit to the Bengals. After a dismal showing against the Texans, they came back in a big way, clubbing the Bears and reinforcing their 'we-belong' status in the AFC North.
The teams just below the line are still in good position to make playoff runs. Miami needs to turn things around or they could be in trouble after winning the AFC East last year.
Here's what Texans fans should hope for this weekend in addition to a win over the Bills:
- Broncos over the Ravens (I keep waiting for Denver to slip - how about waiting a week)
- Dolphins over the Jets
- 49ers surprise Indy behind a rejuvenated Alex Smith and a smothering defense
- Raiders over San Diego ... I know ... fat chance
- Titans over the Jags (yes, I'm serious.... as much as I'm enjoying Bud's futility, this would help the Texans, plus I don't want the Titans to be winless when they come in here for MNF in a few weeks)
Comments
AJ,
Solid post. Well, as I've mentioned before, I (unfortunately) have to enjoy most of the games from afar on my NFL Package and this past weekend, my slingbox program was wiped while on a trip to NC. After spending an additional $100 for Superfan and $32 for a 100 foot Cat 5 cable, I was able to enjoy another W for the HBOYS. Thankfully, it was money well spent. Funny how a win will cloud the costs. That said, I'm afraid our aerial attack will only last a couple more weeks without a semi-decent running game. Hopefully Slayton cures the curse or Brown and/or Moats step up and take the baton. This week presents another MUST win for the fellas considering the upcoming Indy game, but if we can carry the momentum into Buffalo and possibly Indy, my MNF trip to Houston will be priceless. BELIEVE!
Good perspective. I keep thinking about the divison but you really need to look at it from a confernence perspective starting right about now.
Yes!
I thought it was too early to find stuff on the playoffs. Good post. I'm excited. It's early but possible.
Lets hope the Steelers take the North, so a possible head-head can be with the Bengals. Outside of that, Ravens and Chargers are need to stay below. Not too worried about Dolphins and Jags.
One week at a time!
I'm in upstate NY with a lot of Bills fans. They are scared. And they should be.
Great point on the Titans. There's nothing better than watching Bud's anger bubble up to the point of forcing coaching decisions on Fisher. However, for the good of the Texans, we need the Jags to go down and Tenn to earn some respect so we can beat them down (hopefully for all 4 QTRs) on MNF.
Good post. I don't want to hear all the "VY is a winner" talk if Bud's team wins the first week with Vince Young in the lineup. That being said, if it means the Texans have a better shot at finally being in the playoff hunt...GO TITANS!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!