The Houston Texans saw a solid increase to their playoff chances recently, and it had nothing to do with their own team. The retirement of Colts star quarterback Andrew Luck has shaken up the AFC South, as Indianapolis is no longer the favorite to win it. The Texans are now listed as the co-favorites, which has helped their chances of qualifying for the postseason. Houston is hoping to take advantage with a solid 2019 in a division that looks wide open.
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Texans odds to make the playoffs
Yes +105
No -125
Texans Playoff Odds Analysis
The Texans went 11-5 and won the AFC South a year ago, so it’s fair to wonder why the odds of them returning to the playoffs are lower than expected. Houston returns star quarterback Deshaun Watson and players like J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins, but the schedule is a big concern.
Houston got a reprieve with the Luck retirement, but the Colts still have a solid team. The Texans will play Indianapolis twice this year, as well as fellow divisional foes the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. The real issue is the other games, as the Texans must face off with Saints, Chargers, Panthers, Falcons, Chiefs, Raiders, Ravens Patriots, Broncos and Buccaneers. That is a heavyweight list of opponents and Houston must navigate it deftly to have a chance at the postseason.
Houston Texans Odds
Watson bounced back from a torn ACL a year ago and looked no worse for the wear. He finished the season with 4,165 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Watson also added 551 rushing yards on 5.7 yards per carry, as he is a dual threat quarterback. Hopkins is back to lead the way at receiver, as he has established himself as one of the best in the game. The Houston running game took a blow in the preseason when Lamar Miller was lost for the season with a torn ACL, so the Texans must figure out a way to replace him. The biggest issue is the offensive line, which did a poor job of protecting Watson a season ago and is not projected to be much better in 2019.
The Texans have a really effective pass-rush if everyone on the defensive line is available. Watt is expected to have another big season provided he stays healthy, and Whitney Mercilus is also talented. However, star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney has not reported to the team amid a contract dispute and has not signed his franchise tag. There are trade winds swirling and it will be interesting to see if there is a resolution soon. If Clowney is traded for a player, it could benefit Houston this season, but if he is traded for a draft pick, it would be a loss in 2019. Keep a close eye on that situation as Clowney is one of the better pass-rushers in the game.
Key Stats or Trends
There are plenty of reasons to believe in Houston this year, as Watson and Hopkins make a terrific duo on offense, and there is still talent on defense. However, the schedule is an absolute buzzsaw with contenders seemingly ready to face off with Houston on a weekly basis.
The Texans’ odds are certainly improved following the shocking retirement of Luck, but the Jaguars are a team that may be just as talented and doesn’t have to play the same sort of schedule as Houston. It could be an uphill battle to make the playoffs for the Texans in 2019.
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