Week 5 Results and Their Effect on the AFC South Playoff Race

Houston Texans

Week 5 Results: Lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 42-34

What it Means: Although their record may not indicate it, the Texans have been the most impressive AFC South team through Week 5. Two of their three losses were to some of the best teams in the league in New England and Kansas City. However, Deshaun Watson has far exceeded expectations and has shown himself to be an elite playmaker with both his legs and his arm. Watson was not quite as impressive in Week 5 since much of his production occurred after the Chiefs were far ahead. Nevertheless, he has filled the hole at quarterback that the Texans have needed to fill for years now.

With their toughest games out of the way already, the Texans’ record should better reflect the talent level of the team. Unfortunately for Houston, they lost their biggest star in JJ Watt, as well as Whitney Mercilus. The team functioned well without Watt last season, but Mercilus was a big reason why they succeeded without him. It will be interesting to see how the defense reacts to losing two of its best players and how the locker room reacts to losing their emotional leader and loudest voice.

What’s Next: The Texans get a chance to make up for their loss in Week 5 by dominating the winless Cleveland Browns team. Watson will be able to show Cleveland why they shouldn’t have passed on him in the draft and the Texans defense will make a statement against Kevin Hogan, who is making his first start of the season.