NFL Power Poll: Texans gaining playoff momentum

The second half of the season could be historic for the Houston Texans. They have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time, with their best record ever (5-3) at the midway point of the season.

After a 1-2 start, the Texans have momentum. Matt Schaub(notes) is playing superbly at quarterback, teaming with Andre Johnson(notes) to become one of the NFL's most prolific quarterback-receiver combinations.

However, the Texans' playoff push will not be easy. They lost tight end Owen Daniels to a season-ending knee injury, they have not generated a consistent pass rush, and they face a major challenge in Week 9 when they visit Peyton Manning(notes) and the unbeaten Colts. Beating Indianapolis would be an even stronger indication that the Texans, up four spots to No. 13 in this week's Poll, are ready for prime time.

1. New Orleans Saints (last week: 1). Not only are they talented, but they have the toughness to win close games.

2. Indianapolis Colts (2). If they beat the Texans in Week 9, the AFC South race will be over — if it's not already.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7). Brett Favre(notes), Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice(notes), Percy Harvin(notes). Weapons and more weapons.

4. Denver Broncos (3). They took a beatdown in Baltimore, but their body of work remains excellent.

5. New England Patriots (4). A bye week gave them extra time to prepare for the Dolphins and their Wildcat attack.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6). Healthier than they have been all season, but face a tough road test against Broncos.

7. Dallas Cowboys (10). Tony Romo(notes) is on a mistake-free roll. Next up, a date in Philly for the NFC East lead.

8. Cincinnati Bengals (5). The Ravens will want revenge this season, but the Bengals will be rested after a bye.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (14). Young playmakers make their offense far less dependent on Brian Westbrook's(notes) health.

10. Baltimore Ravens (13). No sophomore slump for Joe Flacco(notes). He and Ray Rice(notes) lead an offense that is dynamic.

11. Atlanta Falcons (12). Mike Smith(notes) must deal with his first two-game losing streak as Falcons head coach.

12. Arizona Cardinals (8). More up and down than a pogo stick. Anemic ground attack remains an issue.

13. Houston Texans (17). They need more punch in their running game, and Ryan Moats(notes) may be the answer.

14. San Diego Chargers (15). Cannot figure why this team starts slowly, but a second-half surge could be coming.

15. New York Giants (9). They have many issues, including Eli Manning(notes). Their slump will not end until his does.

16. Green Bay Packers (11). Favre has beaten them twice, and pass rushers continue to beat up Aaron Rodgers(notes).

17. Miami Dolphins (21). Ted Ginn remains an enigma as a receiver. But as a returner he has been electrifying.

18. Chicago Bears (19). Unbeaten at home, but they will only reach the postseason by playing better on the road.

19. New York Jets (16). Their bye comes at a good time. Some soul-searching is needed after another tough loss.

20. San Francisco 49ers (18). Under .500 for the first time. They need to right the ship with their next two at home.

21. Carolina Panthers (23). Lack firepower to overcome turnovers, but can still win when they run effectively.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (20). In three of their four losses, they have yielded more than 30 points. Not a good sign.

23. Buffalo Bills (22). Regardless of the quarterback, offense remains anemic. Not much reason for optimism.

24. Washington Redskins (27). Scoring was a problem before they lost Chris Cooley(notes). It could get worse.

25. Seattle Seahawks (24). Jim Mora is finding out why Mike Holmgren thought it was time for a sabbatical.

26. Tennessee Titans (29). So far, so good for Vince Young(notes) in his bid to reestablish himself as an NFL starter.

27. Oakland Raiders (28). In five of their last seven, they have generated fewer than 200 yards total offense.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (26). Larry Johnson(notes) brought them attention, but not the kind they were hoping for.

29. St. Louis Rams (32). First win should relieve some pressure. Steven Jackson is running with authority.

30. Detroit Lions (25). How many years will pass before the Lions reach Thanksgiving still in contention?

31. Cleveland Browns (20). Their offense is pathetic enough to make any team's defense look good.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31). Josh Freeman(notes) gets his chance to start at quarterback. Talk about a tough job.

Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

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