How Chargers shocking upset loss to Texans impacts AFC Playoff picture

The Los Angeles Chargers found a way to lose to the lowly Houston Texans. How does that impact the AFC Playoff picture? Who benefits the most?

In stunning fashion, the Houston Texans actually found a way to have an impact on the 2021-2022 NFL season. The Texans have been a disaster all season, but they made sure their presence was felt by shifting the AFC Playoff picture a bit when they beat the Los Angeles Chargers 41-29 Sunday.

This win by Houston goes a long way to helping the Kansas City Chiefs win the AFC West. With the Chargers losing to the lowly Texans, the Chiefs are now in a solid position to go ahead and lock up the AFC West for the sixth season in a row.

That’s impressive.

It appears as if that early season slump that Kansas City went through was just that: a slump. It looks like the Chiefs are in position to go on and win their division once more. All they need to do is beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

AFC Playoff picture: Los Angeles Chargers losing to Houston Texans helps Kansas City Chiefs

Following the Chargers’ loss to the Texans, here’s how the AFC Playoff Picture currently shakes out. Here are the top seven teams in the conference.

1. Chiefs
2. Titans
3. Bengals
4. Bills
5. Colts
6. Patriots
7. Steelers

There’s plenty of time for all of this to change. If the Chiefs can’t take care of business against Pittsburgh, then there’s (theoretically) going to be a window for the Chargers to still find a way to win the AFC West.

It’s far from a guarantee, but it could happen.

Still, Kansas City fans have to feel good about the direction their team is headed in. The Chiefs have a very real shot of going on to make a run in the playoffs once again. Given the way their early-season struggles contrasts with the current outlook for the Chiefs, Kansas City fans should be thrilled.