Hi-res-158681037_crop_north
Everyone is frustrated at this point.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

The Houston Texans are 12-3 and in first place in the AFC South. They also currently hold the top overall seed in the AFC.

In Week 17, the Texans travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts.

The Texans rank 14th on offense, fourth on defense and 10th overall in DVOA.

 

 

Primary Talking Point for Week 17

Bilde_crop_north
Pagano addresses the media upon returning to work. (Image courtesy of Matt Detrich of the Indianapolis Star)

Press conferences don't often have standing ovations unless someone announces "free food!"

Chuck Pagano's return to the Indianapolis Colts was not your normal press conference.

Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star writes that Pagano's return was greeted with joy from everyone.

The most poignant story is that the light in Pagano's office that was left on for his return has finally been turned off.

Hi-res-158680484_crop_north
The air has been let out of Munchak's tenure in Tennessee.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Mike Munchak has not performed well enough to retain his position as head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

When laid out in plain, simple words, the truth of the statement is clear.

The Titans are going to lose at least 10 games in 2012. The franchise has only suffered four losing seasons since coming to Nashville, and never have the Titans been as completely outclassed as they have been this season.

They have been outscored by 159 points on the year.

Hi-res-158683489_crop_north
Vontae Davis deserves congratulations for a nice game.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

For three quarters the Indianapolis Colts looked more like a team competing for a top-five draft pick than a playoff contender.

Yet for the 10th time in 2012, Indianapolis owned the fourth quarter and came away with a 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

A second look at the tape reveals exactly how they pulled yet another rabbit of their proverbial hat.

 

The Real Story

The Colts were dominant for three quarters of this game, but a disastrous third quarter almost cost them the victory.

Hi-res-6874226_crop_north
Foster's irregular heartbeat took him out of action.
USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans have spent most of the 2012 season bullying the AFC.

The Minnesota Vikings do not play in the AFC.

Minnesota pushed the Texans around for 60 minutes, dominating both sides of the ball in a convincing 23-6 win.

Despite a pedestrian performance from Adrian Peterson, the Vikings had little problem dispatching the AFC's top squad. Christian Ponder led the way with a touchdown pass and 48 yards rushing to spark the Vikings' offense, while their defense shut down the Texans' attack.

Hi-res-158681234_crop_north
The two Michigan men put on a good show.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

For once the story in Jacksonville is that the spread was covered instead of the seats.

The Jacksonville Jaguars valiantly fought for 60 minutes against the defending AFC champion New England Patriots but ultimately fell just short of scoring the upset of the year.

A last ditch drive by Chad Henne ended with an interception in the end zone securing a 23-16 win for the visiting Patriots.

Despite sharing the worst record in football with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jaguars announced from the opening kick that they intended to make the Patriots work for their 11th victory.

Hi-res-6873608_crop_north
Locker threw with men in his face all day.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If Mike Munchak was on the bubble, he may want to start updating his resume.

The bubble just popped all over the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

Behind a ghastly performance from Jake Locker, the Tennessee Titans gave up 55 straight points to the Green Bay Packers before putting up a cosmetic score late.

The 55-7 loss was the latest in a season-long string of blowouts against top teams. It was the fifth time this season the Titans lost by at least 20 points.

Hi-res-158681058_crop_north
Wayne hauls in the game-winning catch as the Chiefs helplessly watch.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

They weren't supposed to win 10 games. They weren't supposed to make the playoffs. They weren't supposed to be competitive.

The Indianapolis Colts officially shocked the world with a 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16.

The contest was a struggle throughout as the Colts gave up a season-worst 352 yards rushing, allowing big yards to Jamaal Charles (22-for-226, 1 TD) and Peyton Hillis (15-for-101).

As the Chiefs bludgeoned the Indy line, the Colts offense languished through the middle of the game.

Hi-res-6865566_crop_north
As long as Luck finishes the game, Indy will be fine.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts are just one win away from the playoffs.

They hope to get it at Arrowhead Stadium where they'll take on the moribund Kansas City Chiefs.

Here's everything you need to know about the matchup.


What It Means

Hi-res-6866210_crop_north
As a threat to the Texans, Peterson stands alone.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The ultimate team is taking on the ultimate player.

The Houston Texans seek to claim the top overall seed in the AFC, and they can lock it down with a win over Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings in Houston.

Here's everything you need to know about the game.

 

What it Means

The Texans lock up the top overall seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win over the Vikings.