AFC South Power Rankings: Jaguars hold top spot after win vs. Colts in Week 6
• They can wide their lead with a win vs. the Saints
2. AFC South Ranking Post-Week 6: Houston Texans (3-3)
The Houston Texans are a young team that is learning how to win. They'll take a couple steps in the right direction only to take one back. Having lost fallen to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5, they returned to the win column when they disposed of the inconsistent New Orleans Saints in Week 6. It wasn't easy and quarterback C.J. Stroud showed he's a rookie when he threw his first interception of the season.
Nobody realistically thought Stroud would go the whole season without throwing the pick but the Texans proved they can win even when their franchise quarterback makes mistakes. The Houston defense also deserves credit for relentlessly rattling quarterback Derek Carr and slowing down the Saints' running game.
Although Carr was able to move the ball, the Saints only managed to reach the end zone once. Running back Alvin Karama wasn't much better. He totaled over 100 yards from scrimmage but his production didn't translate into points.
While the Texans' front seven won't get the spotlight often in 2023, no team can take them lightly. Jonathan Greenard, Will Anderson Jr., and Jerry Huge had seven pressures each in Week 6. Similarly, linebacker Blake Cashman tallied 15 total tackles.
The Texans still have a long way to go but being .500 at this stage of the season isn't something analysts expected. Props to first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has his team ready to play every Sunday.