With the NFL season starting in a few weeks, power rankings have become the new trend in the preseason world.
Where do the Houston Texans rank among their rivals as they enter the final week of the preseason? Some believe the defending AFC South champions are just outside the top 10 at No. 8 or 9.
Some believe Houston’s powerful offseason plan, which saw the team built around CJ Stroud, catapulted the franchise into the top five. For ESPN, it’s a middle ground.
While the Texans may not be ready to claim the No. 5 spot just yet, they will be a close second to No. 6, according to the publication.
Each ESPN reporter was asked to put a player or coach on the hot seat, and according to DJ Bien-Aime, All-Pro receiver and newcomer Stefon Diggs has the most to prove.
Diggs is on a one-year deal, and if the offense booms with him, he could be re-signed and bring in money. If not, the two sides could part ways. But throughout training camp, the Texans’ coaching staff and players raved about him. Coach DeMeco Ryans praised Diggs’ leadership and competitiveness, saying he brought out the best in his teammates. Quarterback CJ Stroud said Diggs is “someone who loves the game and doesn’t cheat.”
Diggs’ arrival should only add value to the seventh-ranked passing attack, which is entering the second year of the Stroud era, over Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. Of course, there will be those who wonder if it would hurt the team’s image if the four-time Pro Bowler became unhappy with his role. So far, that hasn’t been an issue in four months of offseason training.
Houston ranks third among AFC teams, with only Kansas City (No. 1) and Baltimore (No. 2) better. The Ravens could face a setback after losing several players on the offensive line in the offseason. The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, but Stroud could extend his status as the potential next MVP in his second year behind his current staff.
Games aren’t decided on paper or by power rankings, so the Texans will have to live up to expectations when the season begins on Sept. 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium against AFC South foe Indianapolis.
