2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way
Houston Texans 9-7
Last week: 1st, AFC South
Last rank: 10th
Looking Back: If you would have told anyone that J.J. Watt would miss the final 13 games of the season and the Texans would finish as the league’s top-ranked defense in terms of fewest yards allowed, you would hang around waiting for the punch line. And Houston rode this unit, as well as workhorse running back Lamar Miller, to a second straight division title.
Looking Forward: Despite giving free-agent quarterback Brock Osweiler a four-year deal worth $72 million last March, the job behind center appears to be wide open. Head coach Bill O’Brien has gone through eight different starting quarterbacks in three seasons with the club and the team has to settle on one signal-caller if they are to take the next step in terms of a championship. Three-year pro Tom Savage finally got his chance to show what he could do as a starter but he certainly didn’t wow the team. On defense, Romeo Crennel remains with the franchise but Mike Vrabel was elevated to defensive coordinator in January.
Offseason needs: With veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork thinking about retiring after 13 seasons, the Texans hope to find a worthy successor who can clog the middle. After a slow start, this was a defense that got much better when it came to stopping the run. And Houston needs to build on that, especially with the Tennessee Titans and one of the league’s best running games fast on their heels. Houston’s front-seven emerged as a force and underrated outside linebacker John Simon is a player the club needs to bring back. Strong safety Quintin Demps had six of the team’s 11 interceptions but he could also opt to test his value on the free-agent market in March.