AFC South Week 10 Power Ranking: Texans not letting Jaguar run away with the division

2. team in the AFC South in Week 10: Houston Texans (4-2)

Could the Texans be this year's version of the 2022 Jaguars? Perhaps not but it shouldn't be ruled out either. Last season, the Jags started 2-6 but won seven of their last six games to win the AFC South and qualify for the postseason. Move forward to 2023, and Jacksonville is No. 1 in the division heading into Week 10. However, Houston has managed to keep up with them, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get to despite the fact that they lost kicker Ka'mi Fairbairn.

This is noteworthy because it was a close game. If running back Dare Ogunbowale hadn't come up in the clutch and nailed a field goal, there's a chance Houston might've lost. Leaving aside Ogunbowale's heroics, C.J. Stroud continues to have a banner year, throwing for a rookie-record 470 passing yards and five touchdowns, giving him 14 for the season.

Stroud isn't the only first-year player showing out for the Texans though. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has only logged two sacks but leads all rookie edge rushers in total pressures with 29. It's fair to say that he and Stroud give Houston a couple of foundational pieces to build around.

The Texans are set to face the Jaguars in Week 12. If they find a way to win the next two games, things could get interesting. They already beat them in Week 3, so this could turn out to be a pivotal game for both clubs.