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2018 NFL Power Rankings, Week 17: Saints clinch NFC’s top seed

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs for the end zone during the NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles on December 23, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 23: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs for the end zone during the NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles on December 23, 2018 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

10. . 10-5. Previous: . Houston Texans. 7. team

Recap: The AFC South frontrunners made their way north to Philadelphia as the Texans looked for their first-ever win vs. the Eagles (0-4). And the franchise is still waiting to get the best of these Birds as Bill O’Brien’s team lost a heartbreaker despite some fourth-quarter heroics by Deshaun Watson. Houston ran for only 62 yards but the young signal-caller had a pair of rushing touchdowns. He also passed for for 339 yards and his two scores came in the final five minutes. But the Texans were flagged 10 times and the defense allowed Nick Foles to throw for 471 yards and four scores (1 interception) and also orchestrate a game-winning field goal drive in the closing minutes.

Next Week: After two straight road games, the Texans return to the Lone Star State and prepare to take on the disappointing Jaguars. Back in Week 7 at Jacksonville, O’Brien’s club came up with a 20-7 win and are now in position to sweep this AFC South rivalry for the fourth time in five seasons dating back to ’14.

Playoff hopes: With one week to play, the Texans still haven’t closed the deal in the AFC South. And the loss on Sunday dropped them down to the No. 3 seed spot (for now). Regardless, O’Brien’s team is headed back to the playoffs for the third time in four years. But health is a major concern for this club at the moment.

Next: No. 6

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