NFL power rankings: Chiefs stay hot in Week 6, 49ers stay low

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans is helped off the field after being injured in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

10. . 2-3. . Houston Texans. 12. team

On the bright side of things, rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is proving he’s the real deal.

But losing EDGE Whitney Mercilus (pectoral) and defensive tackle J.J Watt (knee) for the season is about as big a blow the Houston Texans could have suffered in Week 5.

The Texans lost this prime-time Sunday Night Football matchup to the Chiefs 42-34, but the injuries are the story for Houston’s prospects this season. Now with a sub-.500 record, even Watson’s maturation probably won’t be enough to salvage what’s left.

The young quarterback’s development will still be fun to watch, though. He finished with 261 passing yards and five touchdowns, all but ensuring head coach Bill O’Brien has a franchise-type quarterback he can work with for a very long time.

Fortunately for the Texans, the AFC South isn’t exactly the NFL’s most dominant division.

Things could still change in Houston’s favor, but the thought of reaching an AFC title is grim at best.