NFL Power Rankings, Week 9: 49ers embarrass Panthers, Eagles shock Bills
By Dan Parzych
11. Houston Texans (15)
Hard-fought win seems like the best way to describe Sunday for the Houston Texans since the team found a way to escape with the victory over the Oakland Raiders to make sure things remain close with the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC West.
Despite struggling for the most part over the first three quarters, the Texans managed to step up when needed the most in the fourth quarter thanks to Deshaun Watson finding another way to play at a ridiculous level to keep his name in the MVP conversation.
Football fans will be discussing for weeks the incredible throw by Watson late in the fourth quarter when the play appeared to be dead for the go-ahead touchdown, especially since he appeared to take a kick to the face in the process.
But unfortunately for Watson and the Texans, the win also came with a tough loss on the defensive side of the football after the news broke Sunday night that J.J. Watt suffered a season-ending injury, leaving Houston fans absolutely crushed.
No one needs to explain just how much of a difference maker Watt is when healthy, and while there are plenty of Houston players willing to step up in his absence, the argument can be made that he’s irreplaceable.