When the Texans host the Titans on Sunday, there will either be a lot, or almost nothing on the line for Bill O'Brien's team at NRG Stadium.
If the Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Chargers on Sunday (that game starts at Noon), then a Texans win will give them the Number 3 seed in the AFC. If that scenario doesn't pan out, the Texans will be locked in as the Number 4 seed. Either way, O'Brien says nothing changes in terms of how he views the game.
"We've got to play to win. It's a rivalry game. We know that we're in the playoffs. We know that Tennessee has to win to get in the playoffs," O'Brien said.
Right now, the Titans are the sixth and final seed. A win at NRG over the Texans would not only clinch a playoff spot, but it would be payback for 24-21 loss they suffered to the Texans a couple of weeks ago in Nashville.
Since the Texans won't be the Number 1 or 2 seed in the playoffs, they will be forced to play in the opening weekend of playoff games. O'Brien knows nothing less than a win in that first playoff game is acceptable to the fan base despite winning multiple AFC South titles since he arrived in Houston after the 2013 season.
"I think when you get into the playoffs, we all understand what the ultimate goal is," O'Brien stated.
Sunday's kickoff is set for 3:25 in the afternoon.