The Houston Texans nearly pulled off a win over a playoff team at home. Too bad the mobile quarterback that had an underwhelming day entering the final drive decided to tuck and run it for a gain of 26 yards and secure the game-winning score before time expired.
No, it wasn’t Baker Mayfield this time. It was instead Bo Nix, who ensured the Denver Broncos‘ 18-15 victory over the Texans thanks to a Will Lutz game-winning field goal as time expired.
Sitting a 3-5 with back-to-back divisional games entering November, the Texans actually moved up one spot to No. 14 in Nate Davis’ latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports. The Broncos moved up to No. 3 after the win, which means Davis has a high amount of respect for the Texans’ defense, which still ranks No. 1 overall in scoring (15.1) and total yards (267.7)
“Three of their next four games are against AFC South opponents,” Davis wrote. “Time for the reigning division champs to take it up a notch.”
While the No. 14 spot seems high, it could be warranted thanks to another stellar defensive outing. Denver entered Saturday with a top 10 scoring offense and was held to 14 points off two explosive plays just outside the red zone. The offense was also without C.J. Stroud for most of the afternoon after he left with a concussion early in the second quarter.
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 ahead of Houston amid their overtime road win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The winner of Sunday’s matchup will have the higher seed next week.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are in the cellar, falling to dead-last after their Week 9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at home.
The Indianapolis Colts saw the biggest drop, moving down to No. 12 after a six-turnover day from the offense in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Davis, more so, is just more assured of the three other teams listed ahead of the Colts, rather than doubting Daniel Jones and the offense.
“Six turnovers? Maybe they had a bad day. Maybe they were overrated, as some (raises hand) suspected. Maybe it’s a little bit of both,” Davis wrote. “We’ll know for sure when the varsity schedule truly kicks in after a Week 11 bye. But they’re still the AFC’s No. playoff seed. Technically. For now.”
To check out the full rankings, click here.