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NFL power rankings: Which playoff team is the best?

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DEC 21: Deshaun Watson (4) of the Texans signals first down during the regular season game between the Houston Texans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 21, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DEC 21: Deshaun Watson (4) of the Texans signals first down during the regular season game between the Houston Texans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 21, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Houston Texans

10-6 (AFC South champions)

No. 4 Seed in AFC

Overview: In stark contrast to a year ago when they dropped their first three games, the Texans were a steadier football team in 2019. Although there were some bumps along the way, this team played effective football when it counted most. Houston’s offensive line was much better than a year ago and that paid big dividends for quarterback Deshaun Watson and a ground attack led by the duo of Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson. Bill O’Brien’s defense was a bit erratic and the team certainly missed defensive end J.J. Watt. But the star performer should be around this Saturday for this first postseason tilt.

Postseason History: The Texans are in the playoffs as AFC South champions for the sixth time in nine seasons dating back to 2011. That includes four of the last five seasons under O’Brien. But none of the previous five editions was able to get past the divisional round. Is this the year that finally all changes?

This Week’s Opponent: O’Brien’s club hosts the Buffalo Bills in Saturday’s early game. It’s the 10th meeting between the clubs but the first in the postseason. The Texans own a one-game lead in the series standings and came away with a 20-13 home win last season (Week 6) in the clubs’ last encounter.

Next: No. 7

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