Match results: The Texans defeated the Dolphins 20-12. With this win, Houston moves up to 9 wins and 5 losses and is on the verge of making the playoffs. If the Colts lose to the Broncos in the late window, the Texans will win the AFC South title. The Dolphins fall to 6-8 and face a playoff elimination scenario in Week 16.
The NFL's Week 15 schedule includes an AFC matchup that looked like a much bigger deal three months ago, but is still important to both teams' overall playoff picture. of houston texans to host miami dolphins Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium. Houston is a 2.5-point favorite. FanDuel Sportsbook.
Dolphins playoff photos
The Dolphins stumbled in the first half of the 2024 regular season, going 2-6 in two games before Tua Tagovailoa returned from a concussion. However, he has regained his form in the five weeks since then, winning four of his past five games and heading into this matchup with a record of 6 wins and 7 losses.
The Bills have already clinched the AFC East title, which means the Dolphins are playing for a wild card spot. The Dolphins entered Sunday tied for ninth place with the Colts, but lost in a head-to-head tiebreaker to Indianapolis. The Ravens, Chargers and Broncos are all 8-5, with both teams two games behind all three wild-card teams. The Dolphins may not need to win, but they can't afford to lose any more for the time being.
Texans playoff photos
The Texans stumbled midway through the season, but are benefiting from playing in the AFC South's worst division. They won the district title with an 8-5 record and a two-game lead over the Colts. Houston can clinch the division title with a win and a loss against the Colts this weekend. Houston won the season series against Indianapolis by a landslide, securing the tiebreaker.
Impact on tiebreaker
The Dolphins are competing with up to five teams for a wild card spot. Not everyone played against other players, meaning this game will be key in that regard, as it will be the first game where conference records will be involved in the tiebreaker. The next tie-break will be a common match between competitors.
This is not likely to affect the Texans' tiebreaker situation. They already have the division tiebreaker locked up. They are two games behind the Steelers and Bills in the race for the top playoff seed, and with four games remaining, it is unlikely they will be passed by either team. Additionally, Buffalo has a head-to-head tiebreaker with Houston.
