2021 NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Houston Texans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Average ranking: 30.6 (T-30th)
Best ranking: 29th (CBS Sports)
Worst ranking: 32nd (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Texans in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Biggest surprise: Lack of production from RB Phillip Lindsay

Why it's a surprise: Entering training camp, the Texans expected Lindsay to emerge as their lead back. Instead, Lindsay trails veteran running backs Mark Ingram II and David Johnson for carries and has just 31 yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts. Since Week 1, Houston has not run the ball well at all and ranks 31st in Football Outsiders' rushing DVOA. It might get a little easier for the Texans in Week 5, as the New England Patriots' defense ranks 28th in rushing DVOA and allowed Tampa Bay to run for 119 yards Sunday night. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 32

The Texans showed fight in the first three weeks, even managing a win in the season opener against the Jaguars. Sunday's 40-0 loss to the Bills makes you wonder how many more times David Culley's team will taste victory before the season is through. The Texans need Tyrod Taylor back in the worst way: Rookie Davis Mills simply isn't ready to face top NFL competition, a reality laid bare in a nightmarish performance against the Bills that produced as many interceptions as passing first downs (four each). Of course, the Texans' struggles run deeper than the kid under center. "You could put Joe Montana out there today, and the way we played, you're not going to have any success on offense," Culley said.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

Davis Mills was simply overmatched on the road against the Bills. They need Tyrod Taylor back as quickly as they can get him.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

Apparently rookie QB Davis Mills was trying to honor former Bills QB Nathan Peterman with a truly dreadful, 87-yard, four-INT performance in Buffalo.

The Athletic -- Rank: 31

Dear Coach Meyer,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to express my gratitude for your behavior over these past few weeks. For so long, we were painted as the laughingstock of the league by the very unfair media. They know nothing about our grand plans to turn around this franchise. Now, thanks to you, no one's talking about us. Even though we lost 40-0, we're somehow not even the biggest disaster in the division. Thanks again.

Your friend,
Jack Easterby

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