2019 NFL power rankings, Week 11: Steelers jumping, Chiefs slumping

Recap: Nine games into the season and the Texans have the same record as they did a year ago at this time. But Bill O’Brien’s team has a much different feel it this year thanks to an offensive line that has played much better after a very rocky start. The Houston running game is less about Deshaun Watson and more about the duo of physical Carlos Hyde and versatile Duke Johnson. The third-year quarterback has certainly done his share, hitting on 70.2 percent of his throws and more than three times as many scores (18) as interceptions (5). On the other hand, the defense (now minus J.J. Watt) has again struggled against the pass – allowing 18 scores through the air.

Next Week: The Texans make their way to Baltimore for the second time in three years looking for their first-ever road victory in this series. Including a playoff match-up in 2011, Houston has lost eight of the 10 meetings between the franchises and own a 0-5 road mark in this series – the latest a 23-16 Monday night loss in 2017 at Baltimore.

Playoff hopes: Dating back to Week 4 of 2018, the Texans own a 17-5 regular-season record – this after the team dropped its first three games a year ago. The Houston running game is a lot more impressive than it was a year ago and that’s key as the team’s secondary still has its issues. O’Brien may have the division’s most complete squad.

Recap: It’s been quite the start for Pete Carroll’s club, a stark contrast to a year ago when the team dropped its first two games but rebounded to finish 10-6. This season, the Seahawks have won seven of the first nine games (both losses at home) and many of them in the high-scoring variety. Led by quarterback Russell Wilson, the ‘Hawks have scored 248 points and surrendered nearly as many (230). The eight-year signal-caller has been impressive with 22 touchdown passes and only one interception. But Seattle’s defense entered Week 10 ranked 25th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game while only four clubs were giving up more passing yards per contest.

Next Week: Wilson and his resourceful team will get some time off following their Monday night clash with the Niners in San Francisco. The ‘Hawks’ next game will be in the City of Brotherly Love as Carroll’s team clashes with the talented Eagles. All told, Seattle has won the last four meetings in this series dating back to 2011.

Playoff hopes: Since Wilson’s arrival in 2012, the Seahawks have been to the playoffs six times in seven seasons and missed out with a 9-7 record in 2017. These days, it’s a team much more reliant on its offense than any other year since Carroll’s arrival in the Pacific Northwest. But will one-man football be enough to reach the postseason?

Next: Nos. 6 and 5