NFL Power Rankings: Falcons, Packers drop in Week 9

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) salutes the crowd after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Houston won 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

26. HOUSTON TEXANS (3-5)

Last week: 29
Change: +3

In the battle of two bad teams, the Houston Texans were slightly less bad. J.J. Watt had a big day, feasting on backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger with 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits and five tackles.

Brian Hoyer had a nice game under center, going 23-of-35 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. There remains to be no ground game sans Arian Foster, but that doesn’t matter when DeAndre Hopkins and Nate Washington combine for 12 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

With the Bengals up next, it’s going to be tough for the Texans to win a second straight. Strangely enough, the 3-5 Colts are tied in first but own the tiebreaker over Houston. The division race is on.

Next: No. 25