The Houston Texans suffered a disappointing 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns, but their playoff hopes are still alive. The Texans, who now hold an 8-7 record, are in a tightly contested AFC South division where both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts also lost, leaving all three teams with identical records.

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins acknowledged the significance of the recent loss, stating, "Definitely a tough loss, we knew this game meant a lot, but you got to show up a little better. It's tough. It didn't go the way we wanted it to, but on to the next, on to Tennessee. We've got to continue to chase our goals."

The Texans' struggles on offense were evident as quarterback Case Keenum managed only 62 passing yards and threw two interceptions. With rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud sidelined due to a concussion, the Texans' lack of offensive firepower was a key factor in their defeat.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the need for improvement, stating, "For us, we've got to play better football. Before we have an opportunity to talk about a playoff or get in, we've got to play better. You have to earn those spots to get into the playoffs. So, if we go and play better and earn a spot, then we can talk about possibly the playoff race and what does that look like. But, until then, we've got to do a much better job collectively."

Despite the setback, the Texans still have a chance to secure a playoff spot if they win their remaining two games against the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts. By doing so, they would finish with a superior division record, potentially going 4-2 overall in the AFC South. Furthermore, the Texans hold head-to-head victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos, which could prove crucial in tiebreaker scenarios.

The Texans' fate remains in their own hands, but they must elevate their play on both sides of the ball. Injuries and inconsistent performance have posed challenges throughout the season, making it imperative for the team to step up and perform at a higher level in their final games.

Texans quarterback Case Keenum expressed optimism about their chances, saying, "We still have a chance. We still have some opportunities." The Texans find themselves in a position they haven't been in for a while, playing meaningful December football, and their final two games will determine whether they can secure a coveted playoff berth.

As the Texans prepare to face the Tennessee Titans in their next game, the focus is on regrouping, improving, and capitalizing on the opportunities that lie ahead. The loss to the Browns may have been a setback, but it hasn't extinguished the Texans' hopes of making a postseason run.

The final chapter of the Texans' season is still being written, and their determination to bounce back and fight for a playoff spot will define their journey. Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized that the responsibility lies on him to coach better, while the players must step up and play better as a collective unit.

Texans fans can only hope that their team rises to the occasion and finds redemption in these crucial final games. The playoffs are within reach, but the Texans must navigate the challenges that lie ahead to secure their spot in the postseason.