The first two weeks of the 2025 NFL Season have not been kind to Houston Texans, who have fallen into the dreaded 0-2 trap after losing in the final seconds to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A start like this is a far cry from the lofty prognostications many of Houston’s faithful made (including myself) on the eve of the regular season, putting significant doubt into our championship aspirations. Personally, the positive development of new starting offensive guards Laken Tomlinson, Ed Ingram and rookie left tackle Aireontae Ersery during training camp and throughout the preseason stoked a sort of optimism within me that was very bullish on the offense as a whole. Maybe it was naivety (it was), but the good news surrounding the new linemen in August had convinced me that the big dilemma of 2024 had been fixed.
Quarterback CJ Stroud was still pressured, struggled mightily both in and outside of the pocket, and ultimately was not able to connect with any of his favorite receivers with consistency. The offensive line seemed to improve as a whole with the return of RG Ed Ingram from injury, but critical failures in the second half forced the Texans to repeatedly punt and resulted in a failed attempt to score on fourth-and-goal at the Tampa Bay one-yard line. Oddly enough, though, the onus of defeat also resides on Houston’s defense due to a complete inability to contain the Bucs’ tailback Bucky Irving and quarterback Baker Mayfield. These two players were too hot to handle for linebackers Azeez Al-Shamir and Henry To’oTo’o, which could be a foreboding sign when looking onward to the rest of the Texans’ regular season schedule.
So, what could all of this mean for the Texans’ position in the power rankings? Well, buckle up, because this ride down the list is going to be bumpy. Here’s where the Houston Texans are ranked entering Week 3 of the 2025 NFL Season:
17**. Houston Texans (0-2)** (Last Week: 14)
The Texans entered Monday night’s game against the Buccaneers with questions about their offensive identity, and they didn’t do much to answer them. Houston is 0-2, yet it had chances to win both games against quality teams. The offense landed some explosive plays early, as the Texans came out with some fire on both sides of the ball. But then the attack just fell flat, with C.J. Stroud routinely running for his life. The pass protection was leaky up and down the offensive line, which clearly is still trying to find some cohesion. Houston got back into the game via special teams with a blocked punt and a long punt return, setting up Nick Chubb’s late go-ahead score. But there was too much time left, and a beat-up defense that had been on the field most of the game couldn’t get one final stop. Frustrating, not demoralizing, but the Texans are suddenly two games back in the division.
Week 2 result: Lost to the Buccaneers 20-19
Week 2 ranking: 16
Biggest QB takeaway:C.J. Stroud has had growing pains in new OC Nick Caley’s offense
After Week 1, Stroud said his goal through the first few weeks has been to play with more urgency in the new system, which includes getting them set up quicker out of the huddle. In Week 1, the offense had five pre-snap penalties and that contributed to Stroud’s inability to throw a touchdown or lead the offense to the end zone. They got into the end zone (twice) in Week 2, but the offense failed to put up over 270 yards and Stroud admitted “we need more confidence as an offense.” Expect growing pains through the first half of the season.
18. Houston Texans (0–2)
Last week’s ranking: No. 19
Last week’s result: lost to Buccaneers, 20–19
This week: at Jaguars
The Texans are digging an incredible hole to climb out of, made more difficult by the optics of these first two losses. C.J. Stroud has remained unspectacular and, despite heightened control over the offense, has not grabbed either of these games by the throat. Had it not been for Nick Chubb, the Buccaneers may not have even needed a last-second comeback.
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay 20-19
After being the surprise team of 2023, the Houston Texans took a step backward in 2024. Rebounding in 2025 is proving to be incredibly difficult.
The Texans had a prime opportunity to steal a win thanks to some huge special teams plays on Monday night, but some of the same issues we saw in Week 1 cost them again.
Houston’s offensive line continues to struggle at the most inopportune times, and its backfield could use an upgrade. Penalties were also a massive problem for the second straight week.
The good news is that the defending AFC South champions will begin divisional play in Week 3. The bad news is that Houston is now a full two games behind the Indianapolis Colts.
Where is the offense? They don’t score enough, which is a major concern after two games. The offensive line is still a problem.
With the next two matchups against AFC South foes, it’s go time for an underachieving offense that has yet to produce 270 yards or 20 points in either of its first two games.
The Texans have a lot of issues. Their offensive line isn’t good. The running game was unproductive in Week 2. Houston’s receivers other than Nico Collins aren’t great. C.J. Stroud is regressing, maybe as a result of all the strife around him. Houston lost to two good teams, but there are warning signs.
Monday: Lost to Buccaneers 20-19
Overreaction: C.J. Stroud’s slump is concerning
The Texans have failed their young quarterback with a bad offensive-line plan, but Stroud is not blameless. In his first 20 games as a pro, he threw 30 touchdown passes against eight interceptions, had a 100.2 passer rating and averaged 0.10 of EPA per dropback. In the 14 games since, he has 14 touchdown passes versus 10 interceptions, has an 81.4 passer rating and is averaging minus-0.09 of EPA per dropback. That divide dates to Week 5 of 2024, which was also his last 300-yard passing game.
Up next: at Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
15. Texans (No. 13; 0-2): Can’t be an elite team until you can beat elite teams.
Average Rankings: 18.67 (Last Week: 16.45)
Now, here’s some true variety! Some power rankers have the Texans as high at 15 and as low as 24, which is a sign to me that the sell-off is currently underway. Some writer will continue to cling onto the hope that Houston will return to 2023 form, but others have officially given up on the offense to rise above anything beyond late-career Roethlisberger level. While the defense has settled into the elite tier, this other side of the ball has been through a variety show’s worth of supporting cast members, and yet, the result is still underwhelming. The defense is kicking off the new season practically squatting on opposing quarterbacks, while the offense was literally inviting boos and jeers from the home crowd in the Texans’ opening night. This is the skit that just won’t end, and both the power ranking pundits and the fans have had enough of it.
Maybe next week’s contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be the bout of relief we’re all so desperate for. The Texans, especially with Stroud, have been able to score on the glitter kitties with ease. But, considering Houston is currently ranked as the worst scoring offense in the NFL while the Jaguars are seventh best, the Texans will have their work cut out for them just trying to keep pace. What do you think, though? Will the Texans finally get on the board by beating a division rival, or are they doomed to sink even further down the rankings? Let us know down in the comments below!