With the NFL season set to begin in just a matter of weeks, power rankings have become the new trend of the preseason world.
Where do the Houston Texans rank among the contenders heading into the final week of the preseason? Some believe the reigning AFC South champions are just inside the top 10 at No. 8 or No. 9.
Some think Houston’s potent offseason plan to build around C.J. Stroud has catapulted the franchise into the top five. For ESPN, it’s a mix of the middle ground.
While the Texans might not be ready to claim the No. 5 spot, the publication has them just on the outside at No. 6.
Each ESPN beat reporter was asked to place one player or coach on the hot seat. According to D.J. Bien-Aime, All-Pro receiver and newly acquired Stefon Diggs has the most to prove.
Diggs is on a one-year deal, and if the offense is booming with him, he could be re-signed and cash in. If not, the two sides could part ways. But throughout camp, the Texans’ coaching staff and players have raved about him. Coach DeMeco Ryans praised Diggs’ leadership and competitiveness, saying he has brought the best out of his teammates. Quarterback C.J. Stroud said Diggs is “somebody who loves the game and doesn’t cheat it.”
Diggs’ arrival should only elevate the seventh-ranked passing attack heading into Year 2 of the Stroud era opposite of Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. Of course, there will be those who wonder if and when the four-time Pro Bowler becomes unhappy with his role if it will mess with the team’s persona. It hasn’t been a problem thus far through four months of offseason workouts.
Houston ranks third among AFC teams, trailing only Kansas City (No. 1) and Baltimore (No. 2). The Ravens could regress after losing multiple pieces this offseason to the offensive line. The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, but Stroud could be upping his status as potentially the next second-year MVP behind his current personnel.
Games aren’t decided on paper or through power rankings, so the Texans must live up to expectations when the season begins on Sept. 8 against AFC South foe Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.