Five Reasons Andre Johnson and The Houston Texans Can Still Make The Playoffs

The Houston Texans started off the 2010 season with a 4-2 record and seemed to be a strong playoff contender, featuring a high-powered offense of quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson.

But then things fell apart.

The Texans then went on a four game losing streak, dropping their record to 4-6. Then, a win over the Tennessee Titans brought them to 5-6, but a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night stopped that momentum and dropped the team to 5-7.

In order to make the playoffs, the Texans will need to win their last four games and probably get a little bit of help from the opponents of the Jaguars and Colts. While this sounds unlikely, it is more possible than you might think.

Here are five reasons why the Texans are still alive in the playoff race:

5. Trap Game For Baltimore Ravens

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Texans catch the Ravens at a good time.

This Sunday night, the Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game will be very physical and the Ravens will take awhile to recover from it, win or lose.

Then, the week after the Ravens play the Texans, they have another tough test when the New Orleans Saints come to town.

It's possible that the Houston Texans will get looked over and not taken seriously by the Ravens, allowing for an upset that the Texans will need if they want to make it to the playoffs.

4. One More Game Against Jacksonville Jaguars

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Mario Williams #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates a sack against the New York Jets with teammate Antonio Smith #94 on November 21, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated t

The surprising Jacksonville Jaguars sit atop the AFC South with a narrow half game lead over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Jags beat the Texans in Jacksonville by a touchdown earlier this season.

But, the Jaguars will be in Texas for the last game of the regular season with both teams potentially fighting for a playoff spot.

3. Split With Indianapolis Colts

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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)

The Texans beat the Colts 34-24 to start the year. Then, when they traveled to Indy in week eight they were beaten 30-17.

But, the split may prove to be more beneficial to the Texans.

The Colts still have three division games left and have a 1-2 record in the AFC South right now. Meanwhile, the Texans' division record is 2-2.

If the Titans can pull off an upset of the Colts in one of their two remaining meetings, it might allow the Texans to sneak into the playoffs.

2. Tennessee Implosion

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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)

The Tennessee Titans have fallen apart since they signed Randy Moss.

Moss isn't fully to blame for their incompetence, but he plays a part in it. More importantly though, the quarterback position is in shambles right now.

Kerry Collins might be back this week, but if he's not, Rusty Smith will make his second straight start. That's not good news for Titans fans.

1. Strong Running Game

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Arian Foster #23 and Vonta Leach #44 of the Houston Texans celebrate after Foster scored on a 14-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010

Strong running games really help teams down the stretch.

The Houston Texans have a really strong running game with Arian Foster in their backfield.

Foster will grind down opposing defenses and take advantage of their fatigue late in games, giving the Texans a chance to win and sneak into the playoffs in a suddenly weak AFC South.