NFL power rankings Week 1, where do the Texans stand?
By Randy Gurzi
Today is the day that the NFL kicks the regular season off! Football is finally back and we are only a few days from the first game for the Houston Texans, who take on the Kansas City Chiefs at home on Sunday.
What better time to go around the web and see where the Texans stand in power rankings across various media outlets. I was criticized for placing the team middle of the pack, while some have called the fans delusional for expecting a great season.
The truth is, most predictions fail miserably, but just for fun let’s see how the rankings stack up before the start of Week 1…
"This feels like a team that will remain on the fringes of the postseason until it finds a long-term replacement for Arian Foster and a year-in, year-out answer at quarterback."
"Quarterback is once again a problem in Houston. New starter Brian Hoyer ranked 27th in QBR last season (39.8) and is on his fifth team in seven years. The backfield isn’t likely to offer Hoyer as much support as hoped, with a groin injury sidelining RB Arian Foster. The Texans do appear to be very well coached, however, and that should help. So should the defense. The Texans nearly made the playoffs last year, led by a defense that ranked first in turnovers forced (34) and second in EPA. That D could be even better in 2015 if LB Jadeveon Clowney is healthy and plays to his potential. Adding rookie CB Kevin Johnson also helps, but it all starts with All-Pro J.J. Watt and Houston’s tremendous front seven. — Mike Sando"
CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) – 20th
"There is talent on this team, starting with J.J. Watt, but they are another team hurt by their starting quarterback. Brian Hoyer is average at best."
"I don’t know that Hoyer is the answer for anything, but it’s not like Houston had better options."
"Weird seeing Ryan Mallett out there with 2 minutes left in the fourth preseason game after Tom Savage got hurt. A handful of those dudes running around out there at that stage of the game will be working at Medieval Times in a few weeks. And to think, Mallett was supposed to be the answer … On the defensive side of things, how big of an impact can Jadeveon Clowney have, even if he’s on a pitch count? Been waiting all offseason to see this guy in real, live game action. As has every Texans fan."
"The Texans’ offense needs more than just DeAndre Hopkins to function, but Arian Foster could be back sooner than expected. Until then, a dominant defensive front led by J.J. Watt could be bolstered by the return of Jadeveon Clowney."