Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts steps back to pass in the 2nd quarter against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts steps back to pass in the 2nd quarter against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 25. team. 46. . L, 37-34 vs. Texans (OT)

The Indianapolis Colts manage to climb a couple of spots in our NFL power rankings despite falling 37-34 in overtime to the visiting Houston Texans. Fans and pundits are going to question head coach Frank Reich’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-5 in overtime, which didn’t work and gave Houston tremendous field position of which they took advantage.

Why the climb, then? Well, quarterback Andrew Luck.

Luck was phenomenal during the game, shaking off the last of any concerns over his shoulder injury, passing for 464 yards, four touchdowns against zero touchdowns and a passer rating of 108.5.

If Indianapolis had anything of a running game (it doesn’t yet) or a defense, this game would have had a different outcome.

While losing to what were, previously, the winless Houston Texans isn’t a good look, Luck’s prowess should be enough to sniff out some impressive wins over the rest of the year.

Congratulations to kicker Adam Vinatieri too, by the way. He continues to be an ageless wonder.