For the third year in a row, the Houston Texans made it to the divisional round of the playoffs and lost. Now, in ESPN’s power rankings, the Texans are ranked as a top-10 teamand the best team in the AFC South.
There have been a lot of questions about quarterback C.J. Stroud after his disastrous performance in the playoffs last year with five interceptions and five fumbles. However, Houston is confident that he is still the quarterback of the future and has some reliable receivers around him, headlined by seasoned veteran Nico Collins as well as Kayshon Boutte, the newest receiver acquired in a trade from New England ahead of Week 1.
During the regular season, the Texans’ greatest problem offensively was a lack of a running game. They solved that
problem during the offseason by acquiring running back David Montgomery in a trade with the Detroit Lions. Now, they should have a more balanced offense that makes this team more dangerous going into the 2026 season.
DeMeco Ryans when asked by @AaronWilson_NFL if he’s seen anything like the Will Anderson Jr. & Danielle Hunter tandem:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 7, 2026
“Never seen anything like Will & Danielle & happy they’re on my side. It’s fun, when you game plan & have those 2 guys, you can put more on those guys because… pic.twitter.com/BpqdoPCRKO
Defensively, they are better than last year, which is quite a feat given they were one of the best defenses in the NFL last season. Houston added defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and still have all of their top players, including defensive end Will Anderson and cornerback Derek Stingley who were both All-Pros.
Overall, the ranking of No. 10 overall seems fitting for the Texans at this point in the season given the concerns with Stroud’s quarterback play, their improved run game and how good their defense is. It would not be surprising to see Houston’s power rankings improve as the season goes on if Stroud’s play is decent.
In addition to the power rankings, there was also a milestone to watch for each NFL team. ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime predicted that Stroud would move to second in multiple passing categories for the Texans.
“If Stroud throws for 3,663 passing yards in 2026, he'll pass Deshaun Watson (14,539) and move into second place in Texans' history. Stroud (10,876) currently sits behind David Carr (13,391) at fourth overall, while Matt Schaub is well ahead at No. 1 (23,221)," Bien-Aime wrote. "Another category to watch is passing touchdowns in franchise history. Stroud is third with 62, but if he goes nuclear and tosses at least 43 touchdown passes, he'll also pass Watson (104) for second. Schaub leads with 124."
It's hard to believe that Stroud will throw 43 touchdown passes this season. However, he could have 3,663 passing yards this season given he has had more passing yards than that in 2023 and 2024. That will be the biggest milestone to watch this season.
The Texans kick off the year against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday at Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans named inside top 10 team in ESPN's power rankings ahead of Week 1
