Thursday, September 21, 2023

Houston Texans Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Houston Texans in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 31

Player: CB Steven Nelson
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season

The Texans gave Nelson a small raise in August but no long-term extension. Through two games, he has an interception and another pass breakup. If he maintains this level of play for the rest of the season, will the Texans extend him before the end of the season or let him test free agency? Allowing him to test free agency could leave the Texans with a void or questions at cornerback going into 2024. -- DJ Bien-Aime

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

There's only so much silver lining a franchise can inlay after an 0-2 start, which was preceded by 11 victories over the previous three seasons. But it's hard not to give Houston credit for fighting back against the Colts with a group that entered the game missing both starting safeties, both starting tackles and two interior O-linemen (and replacement safety Eric Murray was hurt on Sunday). Probably the brightest part of the 31-20 loss was rookie QB C.J. Stroud, who gutted through a right shoulder injury throughout. He overcame an early fumble to throw for 384 yards and two TDs despite taking six sacks and at least nine hits. But can the Texans protect him? That's what has to keep DeMeco Ryans up at night.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

This is going to be a long year for a team that has a lot of young players. It's going to take time.

USA Today -- Rank: 32

How best to support a rookie quarterback? Play him behind an offensive line stocked with backups and give him a running game averaging 2.5 ypc ... which ties back to that blocking.

The Athletic -- Rank: 31

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is averaging 323.5 yards per game, fourth among all quarterbacks. Combined with a good young defense, that's enough to give Texans fans some hope even if it hasn't been enough to give Houston any wins yet.

FOX -- Rank:

Houston opened at home against a team that's also rebuilding, and they looked completely out of their depth. Yes, C.J. Stroud played an impressive game, finishing with 384 yards, but Houston spent most of the day trailing by three scores. The Texans haven't truly felt like they were in either of their two losses so far.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 30

Nico Collins might be having a much-anticipated breakout. He has 226 yards through two games. He has never broken 500 yards in a season before. Collins has good chemistry with C.J. Stroud, and his emergence is a positive for the Texans.

PFT -- Rank: 31

C.J. Stroud has shown promise. But at some point they need to win a game.

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