NFL playoff picture: Jets beat Texans to shake up AFC standings in Week 9

Thursday night football was wild as the Jets beat the Texans.

Despite a major Malachi Corley flubbed touchdown, the New York Jets (3-6) kept their playoff chances on life support with a victory on Thursday Night Football. A gorgeous Garrett Wilson touchdown was key in handing the Houston Texans (6-3) their first loss in the AFC this year. They fall to the bottom of the pack of the AFC division leaders, but it’s unlikely to impact their ability to make the playoffs.

Here is how the AFC Playoff Picture was changed by the Jets’ win over the Texans.

AFC East standings after the Jets win in Week 9

The Jets were in last place in the AFC East heading into this week, and the win vaults them into second place at least for the time being. Either the Miami Dolphins and/or New England Patriots would pass them if they win their Sunday games.

The Buffalo Bills still hold a commanding lead at 6-2 and could build on that with a win over Miami this weekend. New York is in the awkward position of probably rooting for the Dolphins just to give themselves a chance to eventually win the division, especially because both the Dolphins and Jets have losses to the Bills already.

Where are the Jets in the AFC Wild Card race in Week 9?

The Jets getting to three wins actually moves them up considerably. New York moves from 15th to 10th in the conference at 3-6, just behind the 3-5 Cincinnati Bengals. The Los Angeles Chargers hold the final playoff spot currently at 4-3.

The teams clumped at 2-6 right now are the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Patriots. If any of these teams win this weekend, they would pass the Jets once again. If the Bengals lose to the Raiders, New York would move ahead of Cincinnati but the Raiders would pass them.

Where are the Texans in the Week 9 AFC South divisional standings?

Even after the loss, the Texans are in a commanding position in the AFC South. At 6-3, they are still two wins clear of the Indianapolis Colts and swept Indy this season. The 2-6 Jaguars and 1-6 Titans are distant thoughts at this point.

Where are the Texans in the AFC Playoff Picture?

Following the loss, Houston is now in last place among the division leaders. That slots the Texans fourth right now behind the two-loss Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills and the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

Pittsburgh is on a bye, so Houston can’t re-pass them this weekend, but if the Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo will slide back to fourth and Houston will move up to third.

Week 9 AFC standings following Thursday Night Football

Note: In the standings below, only the pertinent tiebreakers are listed.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2, 4-1 AFC)
3. Buffalo Bills (6-2, 4-2 AFC)
4. Houston Texans (6-3)
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-3, 2-2 AFC)
6. Denver Broncos (5-3, 2-3 AFC)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
8. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
10. New York Jets (3-6)
11. Miami Dolphins (2-5)
12. Cleveland Browns (2-6, 2-2 AFC)
13. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6, 2-4 AFC, .438 strength of victory)
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6, 2-4 AFC, .375 SOV, win over NEP)
15. New England Patriots (2-6, 2-4 AFC, .313 SOV, loss to JAX)
16. Tennessee Titans (1-6)