2019 NFL power rankings, Week 3: 49ers roll, Texans survive

Recap: It proved to be another nail-biter for Bill O’Brien’s club. Six days after falling at New Orleans thanks to a 58-yard field goal on the final play of the game, Houston’s defense managed to come up big on the Jaguars’ game-winning attempt on a two-point conversion. The Texans’ offense that had few problems moving the football at the Superdome managed only 13 points and 263 total yards against the Jaguars.

Deshaun Watson has now been sacked 10 times in two games as he was decked four more times on Sunday. Running back Carlos Hyde continues to be a great addition. He followed up last week’s effort against the Saints with 20 carries for 90 yards on Sunday.

Next Week: It’s a clash of 2018 playoff teams as the Texans head to Los Angeles to face the Chargers. Although the current AFC South champions have dropped five of the six lifetime contests between the clubs, it should be noted that Houston managed a 31-28 Monday night victory in 2013 at San Diego in their last road tilt in this setting.

Playoff hopes: There will be no 0-3 start for the team this season and it’s always important to hold serve against a division opponent. The Texans have three of their next five games on the road and all against 2018 playoff teams in the Chargers, Chiefs and Colts. The Houston offensive front and O’Brien have to find a way to protect Watson.

Recap: The Purple Gang made their way to Lambeau Field looking to continue their recent success in this NFC North rivalry. But before you could say Cheeseheads, the Vikings were down 14-0 in the first quarter and then saw quarterback Kirk Cousins fumble on back-to-back plays — losing the second. That miscue set up the Packers’ third touchdown of the afternoon. Running back Dalvin Cook would get Mike Zimmer’s team on the board via a 75-yard touchdown run and that seemed to wake up the Vikings. Despite holding Green Bay scoreless the rest of the game, the Vikings would self-destruct far too often and finished the afternoon with four turnovers, three by Cousins.

Next Week: The Vikings are back home for the second time in three weeks facing Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders. When last these inter-conference foes squared off, Minnesota went out to the Bay Area in 2015 and defeated the Silver and Black, 30-14. The Vikings have won two of the last three meetings dating back to 2007.

Playoff hopes: Despite shackling the Green Bay offense in the second half, the team couldn’t avoid a frustrating divisional loss. Cousins wound up completing less than half of his passes (14-of-32) and his problems with ball security continue to be a costly issue. The team struggled on the road last season and that continued on Sunday.

Next: Nos. 10 and 9