Friday, November 26, 2021

Houston Texans Week 12 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Houston Texans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.4 (29th)
  • Best ranking: 29 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 31 (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 12 roundup for the Texans in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 29

Most memorable Thanksgiving game: Texans whip Lions 41-25 on Nov. 26, 2020

The Texans were 4-12 last season, but one of the team's highlights came on Thanksgiving Day. In a 41-25 victory over the Detroit Lions, Deshaun Watson played his best game of the year, throwing for 318 yards and four touchdowns in front of a national audience. The Texans' other touchdown in the game came on a pick-six by J.J. Watt. Houston has played in only two games on Thanksgiving -- both against the Lions -- and is 2-0. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 29

The Texans are so much more watchable when Tyrod Taylor is on the field. The veteran quarterback piloted the Houston offense with some level of efficiency and scored twice on the ground in a 22-13 win over the Titans that counts as one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Texans intercepted four Ryan Tannehill passes and made big plays at several crucial junctures despite being out-gained 420-190 in total yards. Now, the bad news: The win, combined with another Lions loss, puts Houston 1.5 games behind Detroit in the "race" for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Sometimes you win and still lose.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

They showed some good things in beating the Titans on the road. That means they haven't quit, which is a good thing for coach David Culley.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

When you're paying your only superstar to not play while constantly churning the roster, no wonder David Culley can't afford to issue any game balls. Nice win, though, Coach.

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

Best side dish: We're not exactly sure what Brandin Cooks did to remain stuck in Houston when so many other veterans have been traded (like Mark Ingram) or cut (like Phillip Lindsay), but he's acting like a pro, and at least gives Tyrod Taylor one experienced receiving option. Cooks had just two catches against Tennessee, but look for Taylor to keep targeting him.

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