Texans fall to 28th in ESPN Power Rankings
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) defends during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Even with their bye week, the Houston Texans continued to drop in the ESPN.com Power Rankings, falling to the 28th spot on the list of 32 teams.
Last week, the Texans, who have lost five straight games, were 26th in the rankings.
ESPN.com said about the Texans:
"“Losers of five straight, Houston hosts Indy after a well-timed bye. Step 1 on the redemption trail is figuring out if Case Keenum can thrive at QB.”"
I really am interested in seeing what Keenum can do as the full-time starter for the Texans. I honestly have no clue if he’ll be the next Tom Brady (doubtful) or the next Matt Schaub (hey, he did help the Texans win two AFC South titles), but making a start on Sunday Night Football against the Indianapolis Colts will be a good test for the quarterback.
ESPN has the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 1, with the Denver Broncos at No. 2.
If I were making the list, I’m picking the Broncos as the better team, even with the one loss. The Colts came in at No. 3, followed by the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints in fifth.
As for the Colts, leaders of the AFC South, ESPN wrote:
"“On paper, the hard part is over. Indy has wins against San Francisco, Seattle and Denver in the books. A win in Houston could effectively end the 2-5 Texans’ season.”"
That statement in their rankings rings true, because if the Texans do fall to 2-6, they might as well give up on any hope of reaching the postseason this season.
One team I think needs to be ranked higher are the Cincinnati Bengals. They have them ranked seventh overall, but they will just have to keep winning to move up in the rankings.
I also believe the Cowboys are ranked too high at No. 13. I’ve watched all their games this season, and I believe they are getting worse rather than better, but we’ll leave that discussion for another day.
For the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans were ranked 18th, and the Jacksonville Jaguars stayed in last at No. 32.