2025 NFL power rankings: Texans trending down after free agency

Where truly do the Houston Texans rank among contenders entering Year 3 of the C.J. Stroud, DeMeco Ryans era? Are they still on the outside looking in? Are they out of the picture forever?

General manager Nico Caserio made some big moves to improve the roster this offseason, including trading away Kenyon Green and Laremy Tunsil for do-it-all defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and multiple draft picks. Houston also signed offensive tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and defensive end Darrell Taylor while adding depth at skill positions including receivers Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios, along with cornerback Ronald Darby.

The Texans also traded for slot receiver Christian Kirk. When healthy, he's a top-10 player inside with immense upside, though he hasn't played a full season in two years, so there could be room for improvement with Tank Dell being out for the remainder of the regular season.

While it's too early to judge where this team is among the rest of the league, it's clear that NFL experts are taking notice of Houston's offseason moves and believe it could be in for regression despite being the AFC South favorites. With that in mind, here's a look at where the Texans landed among different power rankings around the league -- where they're quickly climbing into the top half of the league.

Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) reaches to break up a pass to Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Pro Football Focus

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Current Ranking: 16th

Previous Ranking: 13th

Author: Mason Cameron

Author’s Take: "After winning the AFC South and ranking inside the top 10 of these rankings at the end of 2024, Houston has slid back into the middle of the pack following questionable free-agent moves. Trading away Laremy Tunsil, who ranked fourth among all tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade, left this offensive line in worse shape heading into 2025.

However, defense remains Houston’s strength, and the unit got even stronger by adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson via trade. With a strong secondary (ranked seventh in EPA allowed per dropback), the Texans have the pieces to compete in a weaker AFC South, but their offensive line concerns could make life more difficult for C.J. Stroud this season."

Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

NFL.com

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Current Ranking: 14th

Previous Ranking: 10th

Author: Eric Edholm

Author’s Take: "The trade of Laremy Tunsil to Washington was not something I anticipated, considering C.J. Stroud took 52 sacks last season. Right now, the plan would appear to be kicking Tytus Howard out to left tackle and playing Blake Fisher at right tackle. The Texans could also flip those two, and there's still the draft left with which to add a potential OT starter, though picking 25th makes the chore tougher. Houston could move up six or seven spots in Round 1 by potentially dealing its extra third-round pick, but then again, the Texans are a bit lean on draft picks overall. Big picture: Even taking into account the trades for Christian Kirk and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, this offseason has been a bit of a comedown after last year's spending spree, which seemingly poised the Texans to compete with the elite of the AFC. Are they still in that area code? I'm a bit leery, although I do believe Stroud rebounding in Year 3 keeps them well in contention."

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

USA Today

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Current Ranking: 18th

Previous Ranking: 9th

Author: Nate Davis

Author’s Take: "A team that's probably still the AFC South's best could also be worse than all eight NFC North and NFC West clubs. But with a struggling offense changing coordinators while deporting Tunsil, its best – by far – blocker, reason to be concerned with the way things are trending for QB C.J. Stroud."

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

FOX Sports

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Current Ranking: 17th

Previous Ranking: 11th

Author: David Helman

Author’s Take: "To be fair to the Texans, maybe it’s not a huge deal to ship off the pieces of such a horrific offensive line. But even if it was time to turn the page, it looks like it’s going to be tough to improve this unit in one offseason. And that’s without bringing up the questions at receiver. At least the defense still looks top-notch."

Chicago Bears defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) reaches for Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (31) on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

ESPN

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Current Ranking: 13th

Previous Ranking: 11th

Author: D.J. Bien-Aime

Author’s Take: "Getting [Darrell] Taylor as a rotational player was a savvy move. He has 24.5 sacks in four seasons, including 9.5 in 2022. The Texans rotate often to keep the defensive line fresh, so when defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. head to the sideline, Houston now has someone coming in who could get after quarterbacks. Coming off the bench, Taylor strengthens an already strong unit."

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates with fullback Andrew Beck (47) and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images