NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles make a statement vs JAX

6. Houston Texans

Last season, the Houston Texans won four games.

This season, they’ve won five in only seven contests.

Why? Because DeShaun Watson didn’t tear his ACL this season.

After leading his team to a solid 3-4 record over the first seven games of the 2017 season, the Texans train skidded to a complete stop with Tom Savage under center, winning only one game without their fearless leader.

Now, with Watson back at full strength, ex-Penn State (never forget) head coach Bill O’Brien‘s squad looks like potential world beaters, capable of running the AFC South for the first time since 2016.

Even after losing speedster Will Fuller for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, its hard to imagine a team like the Titans, Jaguars, or Colts making a run at the South anytime soon, especially when you look at their forthcoming schedule.

With only two of their remaining eight games against opponents with winning records, it’s not outside the realm of possibility to imagine the Texans finishing out the season with at least 12 wings, maybe even more if they can get past the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.

As long as Watson is taking snaps under center, this team could conceivably beat anyone.