2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Recap: A year ago, the Texans opened the season with three straight losses before finally winning in overtime at Indianapolis in Week 4. It propelled the team to a nine-game winning streak and eventually the AFC South title. But Houston would also fall to the Colts twice, both at home and the second time in the wild card playoffs. And when it was all said and done, the Texans’ defense couldn’t slow down Indianapolis’ quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The club’s struggling pass defense saw the Colts’ signal-caller throw for 326 yards and four touchdowns while being sacked only once. Deshaun Watson thres for 308 yards and one score but was picked off twice and sacked three times.

Next Week: The Texans play host to the Oakland Raiders for the first time in the regular season since 2013. But the teams last met in the 2016 AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Houston and O’Brien’s club came away with a 27-14 victory. The teams actually met twice that year and the Texans fell to the Raiders on a Monday night at Mexico City, 27-20.

Playoff hopes: A year ago, Houston wound up winning the AFC South but would lose two games at home to the Colts late in the season, the latter in the playoffs. Now make it three straight losses to Indianapolis as a proud Texans’ defense once again couldn’t match up with the Colts’ offensive line. O’Brien’s team is now the hunter.

Recap: Ron Rivera’s club has bounced back smartly after a 0-2 start and took a four-game winning streak into its off week. The offense has been much more productive with a healthy quarterback as Kyle Allen has been solid in place of healing Cam Newton. Running back Christian McCaffrey is off to an impressive start, amassing a whopping 923 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns. On defense, newcomers such as veteran Gerald McCoy and rookie Brian Burns have spearheaded a unit that has racked up 27 sacks. Carolina has also forced 15 turnovers in their first six outings. And while Allen has lost four fumbles, he’s thrown for seven scores without an interception.

Next Week: Rivera’s club is back on the field after their off week and travel west to San Francisco to take on the suddenly formidable 49ers. It’s the third meeting in the last four seasons between the teams, with the Panthers coming away with a 23-3 victory at Levi’s Stadium two years ago in the latest clash between these franchises.

Playoff hopes: In each of the past six seasons dating back to 2013, at least one team in the league that dropped its first two games rebounded to reach the playoffs. Are the Panthers primed to do the same thing that the club achieved, when in 2013 a 0-2 start resulted in a 12-4 record and an NFC South title? This is a confident team.

Next: Nos. 10 and 9