2023 NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans

Lesson learned: The defense has certainly improved.

After six weeks, the Texans are tied for 10th in points allowed per game (18.8) after finishing 27th in 2022, allowing 24.7 points per game. Their pressure rate ranks second (41%) while they're tied for 12th in red zone defense (50%). They've improved their run defense, allowing 651 yards through six games this season (ranked 17th in the NFL). Last year, they allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in NFL history (2,894). -- DJ Bien-Aime

Some of the more pleasant early developments against the Saints were a run game that showed life and the Texans winning up front. Devin Singletary gave Houston's ground game a boost and could take carries away from Dameon Pierce, which is something to watch. Both lines of scrimmage were won by Houston early, with the Texans' defensive line dominating the Saints most of the game. After being worn out late against Atlanta, DeMeco Ryans' defense stood tall even while letting the Saints move the ball throughout the second half. My prediction is that the Texans will enter the offseason as a popular darling -- but given the steady hand with which C.J. Stroud is leading this team, I might need to shorten my timeline.

DeMeco Ryans has this team 3-3 as they head to the bye week. That's coach-of-the-year stuff.

They have two players with at least three TD catches ... same as the entirety of Houston's 2022 season. No team has fewer giveaways than their three.

C.J. Stroud finally threw an interception, but the Saints fumbled it back to Houston right away. Stroud, who had an NFL-record 191 pass attempts without an interception to start his career, is fourth in the league with 1,660 passing yards. Speaking of Houston rookies, edge rusher Will Anderson, who had seven pressures Sunday, has only one sack but is 13th in the league in quarterback hurries (16).

The AFC isn't looking any easier, and the Jags are emerging as a quality team at the top of the division. But even if true contention isn't going to happen in 2023, the Texans are such a harder out than I initially thought they'd be. It's got to feel nice in Houston that the vibes around this team are good — even fun.

It's hard to proclaim anything six games into a season or career, but I feel confident in this: C.J. Stroud is a future star. He might already be a star. It's very, very rare to see a rookie quarterback look this polished. Something good is cooking in Houston.

They're the only real threat to Jacksonville in the AFC South.

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