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NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

By George Stockburger

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass during pre-game warmups, prior to a pre-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws a pass during pre-game warmups, prior to a pre-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

10. team. 10. . . . Houston Texans

The Houston Texans finally look like a healthy team, something that’s eluded them for the past couple of years. They expect to have Deshaun Watson, JJ Watt, and Whitney Mercilus back, three cornerstones to the franchise going forward.

Watson was set to run away with the Rookie of the Year award before tearing his ACL in practice. The former Clemson star threw 19 touchdowns in seven games for Houston before their season was turned upside down with injuries.

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Another injured player set to comeback is running back D’Onta Foreman, who ruptured his achillies during the season. A healthy Foreman paired with Lamar Miller could lead to a devastating run game for Texan combined with Watson’s athleticism.

Houston’s offense will only take them so far, but it could be one of the best in the league with Watson healthy and throwing to De’Andre Hopkins.

Having Watt and Mercilus healthy brings added benefits, but the Texans have so much more than just those two stars. Jadeveon Clowney broke out for 9.5 sacks, and Zach Cunningham looked good as a rookie. I love the young linebackers in Houston with Cunningham, Clowney, and Benardrick McKinney.

Tyrann Mathieu joined the team in free agency to bolster the secondary, and rookie Eric Reid was a steal in the third round. Kevin Johnson needs to step up at cornerback with just one interception in three years.

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