NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans Move Up Despite Bye Week

The Houston Texans took a step forward in some NFL power rankings this week despite not playing on Sunday.

Even though they did not suit up for a game last week, the Houston Texans moved up in NFL.com's latest power rankings.

The Texans come in at No. 15 in the latest pecking order, up one spot from a week ago after their 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. 

You can see the excerpt from the Texans' ranking below.

15. Houston Texans

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.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud (7) and his offensive line.  / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans currently hold a record of 3-3, good enough for second place in the AFC South. Despite a positive start to the season, head coach DeMeco Ryans and his team spent the off week taking a look inward as to how they can improve in the weeks ahead.

"Most of the time we spent during the bye week was spent on ourselves," Ryans said. "[We were] self-scouting. Seeing where we can get better. Normally, you don't get that time throughout the season ... to take a breath [and] step back." 

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a big reason for the early success for a team that was projected to be towards the bottom of the NFL after a 3-13-1 record a season ago. 

There seems to be a new set of expectations in Houston, and with so much young talent on the roster, who can blame them? The focus now, however, is keeping the winning ways intact and eventually challenging for a playoff spot.

Houston will look to carry on its momentum this week when they travel to face the winless Carolina Panthers and another rookie quarterback in Bryce Young. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. CT on FOX.