DeShaun Watson dominance hands Ravens top spot in AFC for time being

The Houston Texans had some trouble late in Week 13 against the New England Patriots, but they held off a comeback attempt to beat them 28-22 on Sunday Night Football. Most people figured the Texans had a chance to spring the home upset, but prior to the final part of the fourth quarter, Houston rolled for much of the game.

The Texans defense put together a mostly impressive performance against the Patriots, but DeShaun Watson was the star of this game. He threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns, and also caught a six-yard touchdown on a ridiculous option play in the fourth quarter. The performance made him the first player since Jim McMahon in 1985 to log a receiving touchdown while also throwing three or more touchdowns.

With the win, the Texans improve to 8-4. They hold a one-game lead over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South with two games remaining between the two teams over the final four weeks. Houston holds onto the No. 3 seed over Kansas City thanks to their head-to-head victory over the Chiefs. The Texans are now two games back of both the Patriots and Ravens for a first round bye.

Speaking of the Ravens, they were the big beneficiaries of New England’s loss. The Ravens beat the 49ers earlier in the day and moved into a tie with the Patriots. Baltimore holds the tiebreaker thanks to their win over New England, so the Ravens now hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

In Week 14, the Texans host the Denver Broncos, the Patriots host the Chiefs, and the Ravens travel to face the Buffalo Bills.