The Houston Texans have been remarkably consistent under Bill O’Brien, winning nine games in each of his three seasons on the job. So it isn’t surprising that their win total for 2017 came in where it did. And like previous seasons, the Texans are again embroiled in a quarterback situation. Eight different players have started a game over the past three seasons and Houston is banking on first round pick Deshaun Watson to be the guy at some point this year. He is the key to the Texans surpassing the 9 win plateau.
Houston Texans Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Texans Over 8.5 Wins - 130
Texans Under 8.5 Wins Even
2017 Houston Texans Offense Preview
Whether it’s Watson or Tom Savage, the Texans will have their fifth different starting quarterback in as many seasons. The Brock Osweiler era ended after one season and the Texans traded up in the draft to take Watson 12th overall. But before the Clemson standout takes over, it looks like Savage will get a crack at running the club. It’s probably a good move on O’Brien’s part, not throwing the prized rookie into the fire too soon. Savage is a competent player, has a strong arm and has been in the system for three years.
Savage started two games last season and was going to start the playoff opener until a concussion sidelined him in the regular season finale. Under O’Brien the Texans have been a run first team and that won’t change. Lamar Miller is back to be the workhorse and D’Onta Freeman ran for over 2,000 yards at Texas last season. A training camp injury to Will Fuller weakens the receiving corps, but DeAndre Hopkins remains an exciting No. 1 option.
2017 Houston Texans Defense Preview
Even without J.J. Watt last season the Texans ranked No. 1 in total defense. After back surgery that cost him all but two games in 2016, Watt is back and will bookend the front line with Jadeveon Clowney, who emerged as the defensive leader in Watt’s absence. Finally healthy, Clowney was a force last season with 12 tackles for loss and six sacks. In between the two ends is D.J. Reader giving the Texans what they believe is the best front in the league.
The linebackers are strong despite the loss of John Simon in free agency. Whitney Mercilus and Benardrick McKinney anchor the unit. The secondary lost A.J. Bouye and Quentin Demps but gets potential star Kevin Johnson back after he missed most of last season with a foot injury. A relentless pass rush should help to cover any deficiencies the team may have in the secondary, but the group should remain solid.
2017 Houston Texans Schedule Analysis
Over the last two seasons the Texans feasted on the AFC South, collecting more than half their season win total against division opponents. They went 5 - 1 both years, losing to Tennessee in a meaningless season finale in 2016. The division appears to be much stronger with the Titans ready to challenge for a division crown, the Jags putting pieces in place with a new coaching staff and Andrew Luck back to being healthy in Indy. Houston likely has to get a few more wins out of the division to reach its total, and that might not be easy.
The NFC West and AFC North cycle in and there’s a strong possibility of three wins against the Rams, 49ers and Browns. All the others will be more difficult. Also on the docket are AFC contenders New England and Kansas City. Unless the Texans get their quarterback situation ironed out and the offense becomes formidable, the defense won’t be able to carry the load, despite the group being one of the best in the league.
The Final Verdict
The quarterback situation has been a constant issue for the Texans since O’Brien took over, yet they’ve still managed to win nine games in all three seasons. There is a battle for the starting gig, but both players are an upgrade from what the team had last season. The offense should be well prepared against some of the better defenses in the league and this team will play some of its best ball against stiffer competition.
It won’t take much for the Texans to win games behind what should be one of the best defensive units in the NFL. Get some solid play from the quarterback spot, run the football efficiently and let the defense do the rest. It’s a recipe that’s won nine games each of the past three years and should get at least that many in 2017.
NFL Odds: Houston Texans Over 8.5 Wins ( + 100 )
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