The Houston Texans’ season is back on track. Can it stay that way against the Tennessee Titans next week? Let’s find out in Nashville.
Behind a record-setting day from Davis Mills, the Texans overcame a 19-point deficit to secure a 36-29 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. Houston covered the 2-point spread with a late 32-yard scoop-and-score from Sheldon Rankins on a strip sack caused by Will Anderson Jr. on the final play of the game.
Mills threw for 292 yards and scored three touchdowns, including the final 14-yard scamper with 31 seconds remaining on a third-and-goal play. Sunday was the second-largest comeback in franchise history behind a 21-point comeback in a 31-28 win over the then-San Diego Chargers in 2013.
Sitting at 4-5 with a road trip to Nashville on the horizon, the Texans actually moved up one spot to No. 13 in Nate Davis’ latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports. The Jaguars moved down to No. 14 after the loss, stating how Houston’s defense has been the difference between the division champs losing out and keeping things close.
“Like the Ravens, they’re a two-time-defending divisional champion that’s fought its way to a 4-5 record,” Davis wrote. “Maybe the Texans can also make a charge back to the top if they get their QB1 back soon, too.
While the No. 13 spot seems high, it could be warranted thanks to another stellar defensive outing. Jacksonville entered Sunday with two comeback performances from its offense. Even after scoring 29 points in the first three quarters, four straight three-and-outs over the final 12 minutes cost Jacksonville a chance to move to 6-3.
Current quarterback C.J. Stroud’s status likley factors into the ranking, though right now it’s unknown for Sunday’s game.
Around the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars only found themselves one spot behind Houston amid its 19-point collapse in Week 10 at NRG Stadium. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans, Houston’s next opponent, are in the cellar, falling to dead-last after their bye week.
“Aside from the bye week, they won’t leave Nashville at all in November,” Davis wrote. “Of course, the league’s lowest-scoring team has yet to post more than 20 points at Nissan Stadium.“
The Indianapolis Colts saw little movement, going from No. 11 to No. 10 after an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. A three-touchdown day from Jonathan Taylor once again was the difference, and it could be why the league MVP heads to Lucas Oil Stadium in February.
“If it seems like it’s been forever since a team rode a sensational running back and a strong defense to a Super Bowl − taking whatever a sometimes inconsistent quarterback provided − well, it’s actually only been nine months,” Davis wrote.
To check out the full rankings, click here.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL power rankings: See where the Texans rank after Week 10’s win
