[Arky]

The Chron posted a pretty thorough breakdown of the all the playoff scenarios.

If the Texans want a first-round bye, they need help.

If they win their two remaining games — at Indianapolis (on Thursday) and against visiting Tennessee (Jan. 1) — they would earn a bye only if either New England or Baltimore suffers a loss.

New England, at 11-3 is in control of the race for the top seed. The Patriots face Miami, which lost to New England earlier this year but is 5-2 after an 0-7 start to the year. The Patriots close with Buffalo, which beat New England earlier this year but has lost its last seven games.

Baltimore has the most challenging game remaining of the top four teams, finishing the year at Cincinnati, which lost 31-24 to Baltimore earlier this season but likely will be fighting for a wild-card berth. The Ravens also host 4-10 Cleveland.

The Ravens swept Pittsburgh during the season, so in a tie-breaker the Ravens would win the AFC North, leaving Pittsburgh with a wild-card berth.

But, should Baltimore fall to Cincinnati (or Cleveland), Pittsburgh would win the division by winning out against two sorry teams (St. Louis and Cleveland).

If Pittsburgh wins the division and finishes with the same record as Houston, the Texans would get the edge because of their win over the Steelers this season.

So, Texans fans, there’s another reason to cheer for former Katy star Andy Dalton and the Bengals in the final week of the season.

The most likely scenario, if there is such a thing, is that New England, Baltimore and Houston win out (since they are the top playoff teams after all), giving the Texans the No. 3 overall seed and a first-round game at Reliant Stadium.

Against whom? Well, good luck figuring that out. (See below)