NFL Power Rankings 2020, Week 12: Chiefs claim No. 1 spot, Packers drop again

On the surface, the Houston Texans protected home field at NRG Stadium on Sunday as they beat the New England Patriots, 27-20. Deshaun Watson had a big day at the office with 344 yards and two touchdowns with no picks and the Texans finally picked up their third win of the season.

But they stay stagnant in our NFL power rankings for the simple fact that the problems with this team, which led them to seven losses over nine games, are still very much evident and present in Houston.

For starters, the Texans defense has been a major issue and, though J.J. Watt was batting down passes and making plays, Cam Newton still threw for over 350 yards. Moreover, the supposedly explosive Houston offense managed only 27 points against a defense that appeared more than generous enough to give up a 40-burger on Sunday.

In reality, what we saw on Sunday in Houston was a matchup of non-playoff teams with talent but not complete rosters. As the Texans now move into games against the Colts (twice) and Titans down the home stretch, they’ll almost surely revert to their losing ways.