NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) ,Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23), and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) take a breather during a NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 19: Tyrann Mathieu /

14. Houston Texans

If last season was a fluke for any team, the Houston Texans were the prime candidates. The injury bug decimated the entire roster, leaving Tom Savage and some change left to lead the team to an abysmal 4-12 record. It was hard to watch over the course of 16 weeks but a new offseason has provided plenty of hope heading into the year. Not only do stars like J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson return from injury but the free agency moves were plentiful last week.

Not one, not two, but ten total signing for the Texans over the first week of free agency. They were one of the most active teams on the market, signing solid middle-tier talent like Senio Kelemete, Zach Fulton and Aaron Colvin. Left tackle is still a major hole to fill since trading away Duane Brown but the offensive line got a much-needed upgrade with the recent signings. Brain Gaine even lured in safety Tyrann Mathieu on a lucrative one-year deal.

I like the talent on the roster (when healthy) in a division that’s no joke anymore. The Jaguars are cementing themselves as one of the AFC’s best while the Titans are trending upwards with an entirely new coaching staff. But with the way we saw Watson play last season, there’s reason to believe the Texans are a dark-horse candidate.

Maybe I could be completely wrong and injuries force the Texans to fall apart for the second straight season but I’ll hold on to my optimism that this team can be a legitimate contender when healthy.

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