Texans drop one spot in USA TODAY NFL power rankings

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The Houston Texans are working their way through quarterback issues as they give third-round rookie Davis Mills a shot after the hamstring injury to Tyrod Taylor.

Houston sustained a 24-9 loss on a short week to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football at NRG Stadium. In terms of the power rankings, that is going to cost them.

According to Nate Davis of USA TODAY, Houston dropped from No. 28 to No. 29 overall as the Texans are now working with a 1-2 record and second place in the AFC South.

29. Texans (28): No matter the quarterback, you have to admire WR Brandin Cooks’ constant production — his numbers currently spiking to 107 receiving yards per game despite Houston’s offensive issues.

Around the rest of the division, the Tennessee Titans are No. 12, up two spots from a week ago. Somehow the winless Indianapolis Colts got better after losing by two scores to the Titans, up from No. 26 to No. 25. The Jacksonville Jaguars, also winless, failed forward from No. 32 to No. 31.

If all it takes is losing close to a good team, maybe the Texans can improve in next week’s power rankings as the Buffalo Bills are a hard draw at 2-1 playing at Highmark Stadium. Coach David Culley knows his former boss, Sean McDermott, has a contender on his hands.

“That’s a very good football team,” said Culley. “That’s a playoff caliber football team. They are very good in all phases. Offensively, defensively, and special teams, they have been very consistent. It’s a well-coached football team that’s got a lot of good football players on it.”

Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m. Central Time.