The Houston Texans experienced a significant setback in their playoff aspirations following a decisive defeat to the Cleveland Browns, marking an unfortunate turn of events on Christmas Eve. The 36-22 loss not only dampened the festive spirit but also led to a decline in the Texans’ playoff chances. As per the current playoff standings on NFL.com, the Texans maintain the 8th position in the AFC, narrowly missing the postseason cutoff by one spot. However, their playoff probability has dwindled to 40 percent, reflecting the toll of injuries during a challenging December.

The Texans’ misfortunes in recent weeks can be largely attributed to a slew of injuries, affecting key players such as quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson. The impact of these injuries was evident in the absence of multiple Texans during Sunday’s game. Additionally, the team suffered further setbacks with the early exits of defensive end Jonathan Greenard and defensive backs Jimmie Ward and Steven Nelson during the Cleveland loss.

The upcoming New Year’s Eve matchup against the Tennessee Titans holds crucial significance for the Texans, presenting an opportunity to rebound. However, the aftermath of the Cleveland defeat has heightened the stakes for Houston, and the outcome of the game may determine their postseason fate. Despite the current standing, the Texans face uncertainty as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and strive to regain momentum in their pursuit of a playoff berth. The game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. CT kickoff on Sunday, airing on FOX.