Two weeks is a long time in the NFL, just ask the Houston Texans.
Back to back losses to the Jets and Lions has seen DeMeco Ryans’ team slide outside the Top 10 in most power rankings, despite still boasting a 6-4 record atop the AFC South.
The Texans are preparing for a key battle against the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday, one that could prove pivotal as they try and maintain a top seed in the AFC.
NFL.com – 12th
“Just a gutting loss for a Houston team that had played with fire a little too often this season. The Texans were able to beat the Colts, Bears, Jaguars and Bills with late execution, but on Sunday night, they were punished for not putting away the Lions when they had the chance. Since the 41-21 win over New England, Houston has dropped three of four games and has struggled mightily to score after halftime. Detroit blanked Houston in the final 30 minutes, leading to the franchise’s biggest blown lead in more than a decade, per NFL Research. Two turnovers, four punts and a missed field-goal try in your last seven drives is not the formula for taking down a true Super Bowl contender, but these second-half blues are becoming the norm in Houston. The Jets outscored the Texans 21-6 after halftime; against Green Bay, it was a 10-3 second-half deficit. The Texans have one of the easier remaining schedules by opponents’ win percentage, but still must play the Chiefs and Ravens. That’s two big tests left for Houston to prove it can be a 60-minute team and hang with the big boys.” – Eric Edholm
ESPN – 13th
“Mixon has helped the Texans’ offense through its passing attack struggles without wideouts Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) and Nico Collins (hamstring). Mixon is averaging 93.6 rushing yards, third most in the NFL, helping to keep the offense in decent shape. He’s also sixth in rushing touchdowns (7) despite playing only seven games. Houston should get Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards before his injury, back soon, and Mixon’s production should only get better once Collins returns.” – DJ Bien-Aime
CBS Sports – 14th
“At 6-4, they have to be thankful the division isn’t good. They will win it, but they have to get back on track and start winning some games.” – Pete Prisco
