Texans, Colts rematch is for AFC South lead

The race for the playoffs remains predictably crowded at the dawn of the fourth quarter of this NFL season, bringing with it a complicated bundle of scenarios for the division crowns and wild-card spots available for the taking.

The Cowboys-Giants rematch tonight will likely get the biggest ratings, but Dallas has a three-game lead in the NFC East and New York leads the wildcard pack.

So the game today with the biggest impact on the playoff picture might be, believe it or not, Houston-Indianapolis, considering their three-way tie with Tennessee among 6-6 teams in the underwhelming AFC South.

The Texans beat the Colts earlier this season. The Titans will have their hands full today with Denver. The defending Super Bowl champion Broncos are in third place in the AFC West, trying to stay ahead in the wild-card race.

Here’s a closer look at the candidates: File / The Associated Press

Brock Osweiler and the Texans are headed to Indianapolis for a first-place showdown with the Colts after blowing an exclusive AFC South lead. Dallas on Dec. 26, vs. Green Bay on Jan. 1.

Division record: 2-2. Conference record: 6-2.

Can clinch division with three more wins, or fewer with corresponding losses by Minnesota and Green Bay.

Winning at least twice more would put them in prime position for wild card at least.

Strong finish and slip by Seattle would deliver No. 2 seed and firstround bye.