NFL Picks Week 12: Why the Houston Texans Can Still Make the Playoffs

As we go into Thanksgiving weekend, wondering who will make the NFL playoffs, nothing is really clear at this point.  Even perennial playoff attendees like the Indianapolis Colts have not locked up a playoff berth this season.

As we enter into the closing stretch, everyone begins to wonder who will make the playoffs.  Here are some reasons why the Texans will make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Schedule

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos in action against San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. Chargers defeated the broncos, 35-14. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Ima

The Texans end the season with a relatively easy portion of their schedule. They have already played the Indianapolis Colts twice, and now play the Titans twice the rest of the season starting this weekend.

They also have a highly overrated Jaguars team left and a struggling Denver Broncos team to play.

They have played through the first part of their season and now it is time for the easier part of the schedule, although no team is a pushover in the NFL.

Weak Division

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-2

Although the Texans are sitting in last place in their division with a record of 4-6, they still are only two games back of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Colts in particular have been struggling with a multitude of injuries, and are not leaving everyone in the dust as in previous years.

Arian Foster

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the New York Jets on November 21, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Arian Foster has the ability to break out every single game.  Opponents are forced to key on him or they will wind up getting burned with his tough running and ability to break games wide open.

This season Foster has ran for 1,004 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Foster alone could carry a team, but he isn't alone.

Matt Schuab

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans looks to throw a pass against the New York Jets on November 21, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Matt Schaub is one of the best quarterbacks in the game.  His ability to lead a team to a victory is something that is not held by many others in the league.

So far this season Schaub has thrown for 2,574 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to make a tough pass and win the game is a huge advantage for the Texans and could prove vital down the home stretch in trying to make the playoffs.

An Underrated Defense

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 10: Running back Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants takes a hard hit from strong safety Bernard Pollard #31 and cornerback Kareem Jackson #25 at Reliant Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Im

Although the Texans defense has allowed a lot of points and a lot of yards this season, they are one of the most underrated defenses in the nation.  It may not be able to lock down the pass, but their ability to stop the run is often overlooked.

Led by Bernard Pollard with 59 tackles, the Texans' defense is definitely being overlooked and will be able to figure it out during playoff time.

Andre Johnson

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans makes a catch during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 14, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Johnson has not had the season he expected so far, catching only 56 catches for 813 yards and four touchdowns.  His lack of productivity is definitely a reason the Texans could make the playoffs.

If Johnson can get out of his slump and start getting more catches for more yardage and becoming that dominant receiver everyone expects, the Texans to be very tough offensively towards the end of the year—especially if they make a run for the playoffs.