HOUSTON -- There are several ways the Houston Texans can clinch their first AFC South title and playoff berth since 2012 on Sunday.
They're not worried about most of those scenarios because they know the easiest way to secure their spot in the playoffs is to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in the regular-season finale.
Star defensive end J.J. Watt said nothing changes this week despite what's on the line.
"You go out there and try to win," he said. "You have a great week of practice. It's the last regular-season game in front of our home crowd. It's a chance to clinch a division. There's a lot to play for. We're really looking forward to the opportunity."
Though the Texans aren't interested in talking about the other manners in which they can clinch a playoff berth, it's worth noting that even if they lose, it's very unlikely they wouldn't be heading to the postseason. Along with a win, Houston could also reach a spot in the playoffs if the Colts lose or tie on Sunday, and would clinch on the strength of victory tiebreaker over Indianapolis with a win or tie by just one of five other teams. They would also win the division on the strength of schedule over the Colts if Kansas City or Baltimore win or tie, as long as both teams don't tie.
So instead of thinking about that dizzying array, the Texans (8-7) are only worried about completing a turnaround that seemed unlikely midway through the season.
"We're focused on this game," receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "We've got to handle it one game at a time like we've been doing since we were 2-5, not looking forward, but handling it game to game."
The Texans are looking for the third playoff trip in franchise history after winning the division in 2011 and 2012.
Houston's turnaround is more remarkable considering the revolving door of quarterbacks this season. Brandon Weeden became the fourth quarterback to start for the Texans last week when he led them to a win over the Titans. Ryan Mallett and T.J. Yates have also started games, but on Sunday, Brian Hoyer, who has started most often for them this season, will return.
Hoyer missed the last two games after his second concussion in less than a month, but was cleared on Wednesday and is ready to go against Jacksonville (5-10).
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley is impressed by what the Texans have done while rotating through so many quarterbacks.
"They've done an unbelievable job," Bradley said. "Boy, you don't hear that very often, number of quarterbacks they've gone to. I think what I've come to appreciate with what they've done is they're really taking the skill set of each quarterback and best utilizing it."
Some things to know about the Jaguars-Texans game.
TITLE CHASE: Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has a shot at the NFL's touchdown title. The second-year pro has 35 TD passes, one behind New England's Tom Brady and one ahead of Arizona's Carson Palmer heading into the season finale. Bortles, who already shattered the single-season franchise record, has 15 TD passes in the last five games.
But he says winning the TD title would mean little.
"I honestly don't care. I couldn't care less,' he said. "I didn't even know I was behind Tom Brady until somebody told me."
CLOWNEY'S LATEST SETBACK: Houston outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is day to day this week because of an injury to his left foot. It's a disappointing setback for the first overall pick in the 2014 draft who has dealt with numerous injuries in his two NFL seasons, but who had been playing well lately as he'd gotten healthy. Clowney has played six straight games entering Sunday, the longest stretch of his career. The consistent playing time has paid off and Clowney has 3 1/2 sacks in that span after getting just one previously.
GRAY AREA: Jacksonville will use the season finale to get an extended look at recently signed running back Jonas Gray. With starter T.J. Yeldon (knee) unlikely to play, and Toby Gerhart, Bernard Pierce and Corey Grant on injured reserve, Gray could get the bulk of the work. He carried five times for 31 yards last week.
"We'll try to find out more about him in this finale," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said.
WATT'S SEASON: Watt is still dealing with a broken left hand that requires him to wear a club-like cast during games. He's beginning to get more comfortable playing with one hand and got his first sack in the three games since his injury last week against the Titans. Watt is second in the NFL with 14 1/2 sacks and needs a half-sack to join Reggie White as the only players with 15 or more sacks in three of their first five NFL seasons.
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