The Houston Texans took advantage of a poor division to make the playoffs in 2015. The AFC South might be a little bit better this season but the Texans believe they will be, as well. With some prime offensive additions highlighted by quarterback Brock Osweiler, the Texans are slight favorite to make it into the playoffs once again. Those odds are listed at -135, while Houston missing out on the postseason is being wagered on at +105 in NFL betting.
The Texans went 9-7 a season ago to win the AFC South. Houston was one game under .500 through 13 games but won its final three to sneak into the playoffs. The Texans had quarterback issues throughout the season, as Brian Hoyer was the nominal starter, but between injuries and ineffectiveness, the team cycled through several signal-callers. It reared its head in the wild card round when the Chiefs defense dominated, ending the Texans’ season. Osweiler has never been a full-time starter but he showed enough in a stretch starting for the Broncos last season that Houston signed him to a lucrative free-agent deal. The Texans hope he can build solid chemistry with wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who has elevated himself to one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL. The Texans also signed Lamar Miller in free agency to add talent in the running game. Houston has been solid there in past years with Arian Foster, but he has dealt with some serious injuries the past few seasons so the Texans went in another direction.
Superstar defensive end J.J. Watt is back to lead the defense. He had 17.5 sacks and three forced fumbles a year ago and is arguably the most talented player in the entire NFL. Jadeveon Clowney will aim to take a big step forward this season, and if he does it will give Houston arguably a fantastic pass-rushing duo. The Texans were seventh in the league in defense a season ago and hope to have similar success in 2016.
The Texans should be better offensively in 2016, but it’s possible the Indianapolis Colts bounce back and give them some stiff competition. Houston may have to win more than nine games this season to win the division, although there is optimism that the team will be able to do so. Much of the team’s success will come down to the effectiveness of Osweiler. If he lives up to his contract, the Texans should be in good position to make the playoffs once again in 2016 in NFL betting.
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