2023 NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans

Young riser: WR Nico Collins

Collins, 24, is having a breakout season in Year 3. He ranks 10th in the NFL in receiving yards (547) and is one of the biggest reasons quarterback C.J. Stroud is having a standout rookie season. Collins has been a reliable go-to option for the Texans through the air so far. -- DJ Bien-Aime

C.J. Stroud is fourth in passing yards per game, and I really don't care that much about it. The gaudy statistics are nice -- I should mention that he's on pace for 4,700 yards, 25 TDs and three picks -- but they only tell a small part of the rookie's impressive story. To me, Stroud's poise and smarts have taken center stage. He's kept the ball out of harm's way (one INT, three fumbles). He's cut down on sacks dramatically (11 in Weeks 1-2, two in four games since). And Stroud has been really good in fourth quarters (SEE: 114.7 QB rating). And with Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Tank Dell, Henry To'oTo'o and others giving Houston its best rookie class in recent memory, there's a lot for Texans fans to be excited about.

They come off their bye at 3-3, one of the surprise teams of the league so far. This week it's C.J. Stroud against Bryce Young. So far, Stroud has been the better of the two rookie quarterbacks.

As if he hadn't made enough of an early season statement, QB C.J. Stroud now gets a shot at Carolina, the team that passed him over with the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft.

One question: Is this a playoff team?

The Texans are one game back in the AFC South (with a win against division leader Jacksonville) and have the 30th-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. Houston's .500 record is not smoke and mirrors. The Texans are 11th in offensive EPA and 21st in defensive EPA, according to TruMedia, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud looks the part. Stroud is fourth in the league in passing yards per game (276.7) and has the 10th-best passer rating (96.4).

I don't know if C.J. Stroud is the type of guy who looks for reasons to have a chip on his shoulder, but he shouldn't need the added motivation this week. Fresh off a bye week, he's going to Charlotte with a chance to show the Panthers he should've been the No. 1 overall pick. It'd be a fun plane ride home if Houston gets the win.

Coming into Week 7, Will Anderson Jr. led the NFL in tackles for loss or no gain, according to Pro Football Focus. He has been very good. I still don't agree with the huge price the Texans paid to trade up and draft him third overall, but he has been what Houston was looking for.

With six games of film, it will be interesting to see how defenses approach C.J. Stroud.

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