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NFL Power Rankings: 49ers snatch top seed, Patriots lose footing entering playoffs

By Dan Parzych

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

7. Houston Texans (10)

After resting their starters against the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans will now prepare for their first-round meeting of the playoffs against a Buffalo Bills team that is the last group to sleep on in January.

Even if some will make the argument that Houston should have played their starters against Tennessee to help with positioning, the extra rest seems needed for Deshaun Watson and company facing one of the top defenses the NFL has to offer in the Bills.

Despite some impressive wins over the last few months against numerous playoff-caliber teams, the Texans have been one of the most difficult teams to figure out at times in the NFL due to their inconsistency on both sides of the football.

Take a look at earlier in December for example when Houston made a huge statement by defeating the New England Patriots, only to come back the following week, and lose at home to the Denver Broncos with a rookie quarterback in Drew Lock.

Hopefully, Watson and the Texans will be better prepared for the playoffs this time around following an embarrassing loss last January right away to the Indianapolis Colts, or this season will just be viewed as another bust for the AFC South champions.

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