The Houston Texans find themselves on a downward trajectory in the latest NFL power rankings as they head into the 2025 season. After a strong finish in 2024, winning the AFC South and ranking in the top ten, the Texans have slipped to the middle of the pack due to questionable offseason moves. The decision to trade away Laremy Tunsil, a pivotal figure in their offensive line, has raised concerns about the protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was already under duress last season with 52 sacks. Despite these setbacks, the Texans have bolstered their defense with the acquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, which could position them as frontrunners in the weaker AFC South.

In the latest rankings, they are positioned 16th by Pro Football Focus, 14th by NFL.com, and even down to 18th by USA Today. NFL analysts express skepticism about the team's ability to compete with the stronger AFC teams, especially with ongoing questions around the offensive line and the effectiveness of their receiving corps following the injury to Tank Dell. However, there are still bright spots, particularly in their defensive capabilities, which could help them stay in contention.