Where Do Houston Texans Land in Latest NFL Power Rankings?

The Houston Texans find themselves in the middle of the pack in this week's NFL pecking order.

The Houston Texans are fresh off a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and they saw their standing in the NFL Power Rankings for the week improve as a result.

According to the rankings released on Tuesday by Sports Illustrated, the Texans come in at No. 15 this week, good for second place in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 10. 

Why? Mostly because of the play of rookie quarterback sensation, C.J. Stroud, who SI believes is the engine that makes the Texans go.

"Situationally, the Texans as an organization have been completely transformed and buoyed by the play of Stroud," Sports Illustrated wrote. "If he is terrible, there is little hope. If there is little hope, it’s difficult for DeMeco Ryans to coach. If it’s difficult for DeMeco Ryans to coach, the team continues to spiral."

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud / © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Stroud put up strong numbers again on Sunday, coming off a performance a week prior where he set a new rookie record for passing yards in a single game. 

The Texans quarterback has firmly planted himself in the Rookie of the Year conversation, and he threw for 356 yards and put up a total of two scores in the win over the Bengals this week. So far this year, Stroud has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns paired with just two interceptions.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans has rewarded his team this week as well, giving them the day off on Monday following the upset win in Cincinnati. His team will now turn the page and return home to host the Arizona Cardinals this week, and kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on CBS.