Texans win eighth straight over Chargers
USAT’s Tyler Dragon breaks down the Houston Texans beating Chargers 22-16 for eighth straight win and clinch playoff berth behind dominant defense.
Sports Pulse
The NFL playoffs are nearly here. Ahead of Week 17’s Sunday slate of games, 12 of the 14 postseason spots have been clinched.
Only a few other fanbases outside of those dozen franchises have a chance at the playoffs in 2025. For the rest of the league, it’s on to an offseason full of question marks – some bigger than others, depending on the state of the franchise.
One thing remains incredibly important for all of the eliminated teams: the 2026 NFL Draft. Finding young, inexpensive talent to develop is the most reliable way to build a contender. Just ask New England – a team that went from four wins to contending for the No. 1 seed behind a second-year quarterback and top rookies at running back and left tackle.
The 2026 NFL Draft will see a surprising order compared to years past. Perennial playoff contenders, Kansas City will be picking in the top half of the first round. Washington is poised to be back in the top 10 after a trip to the NFC championship game a year ago.
Week 17’s results will have a huge impact on the first-round order of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s how things look as Sunday is wrapped up:
Here’s a look at the latest draft order for the first round with strength of schedule information via Tankathon:
Las Vegas Raiders: 2-14; .542 SOSNew York Giants: 3-13 record; .531 strength of scheduleNew York Jets: 3-13, .550 SOSTennessee Titans: 3-13, .574 SOSArizona Cardinals: 3-13; .577 SOSCleveland Browns: 4-12, .491 SOSWashington Commanders: 4-12; .509 SOSNew Orleans Saints: 6-10; .493 SOSKansas City Chiefs: 6-10; .509 SOSCincinnati Bengals: 6-10; .517 SOSMiami Dolphins: 7-9; .485 SOSAtlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 6-9; .496 SOSTampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9, .533 SOSDallas Cowboys: 7-8-1; .436 SOSDetroit Lions: 8-8; .491 SOSBaltimore Ravens: 8-8; .502 SOSMinnesota Vikings: 8-8; .517 SOSIndianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets): 8-8; .537 SOSCarolina Panthers: 8-8, .522 SOSPittsburgh Steelers: 9-7; .509 SOSGreen Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys): 9-6-1; .480 SOSLos Angeles Chargers: 11-5; .461 SOSBuffalo Bills: 11-5, .474 SOSLos Angeles Rams: 11-5, .533 SOSPhiladelphia Eagles: 11-5; .465 SOSHouston Texans: 11-5; .526 SOSJacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns): 12-4; .485 SOSSan Francisco 49ers: 12-4, .493 SOSChicago Bears: 11-5; .454 SOSNew England Patriots: 13-3; .386 SOSDenver Broncos: 13-3; .426 SOSSeattle Seahawks: 13-3; .496 SOS2026 NFL mock draft
Here’s how the top five picks could pan out per USA TODAY Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz’s latest mock draft:
New York Jets (proposed trade w/NYG): QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaLas Vegas Raiders: QB Dante Moore, OregonCleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StateNew York Giants (proposed trade w/NYJ): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateTennessee Titans: LB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State