After long consideration (about six minutes) I have concluded that the Houston Texans will…

1) Finish with a 13-4 record, which is entirely possible if the offensive line makes the leap to just “average” and we avoid the injury bug that seems to bite the Astros every 15 minutes.

2) This is the year they get to the AFC Championship game. The ambitious side of me would say this is the year they get all the way but I’ve been a Texans fan too long to reach too far.

3) The first few games I always keep an eye and ear out for the rookies. So Aireontay Ersery, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel those are the names I’m most interested in watching early on. I also want to see Henry To’oTo’o since he had such a good training camp, I want to see if he’s taken another step up in his game. I also want to see how our secondary performs with all the key parts healthy and ready to go.

4) At this point, it’s hard to think of one name everyone should keep an eye on, but for me, I think it’s Calen Bullock or Kamari Lassiter, I can’t decide. They’ve looked really good in preseason and the secondary will only be as good as the performance of these two players.

1) With so many questions about the offensive line and a rough schedule, give me the Stroud/Ryans 10-7 special (with +2/-3 variance). If that line solidifies, they can actually get a top 2 seed, but if it doesn’t, a losing record is in play.

2) Until otherwise proven, Houston wins the South and hosts their usual Saturday afternoon Wild Card game. However, until otherwise proven, Houston’s ceiling is the Divisional Round.

3) I’m excited for Anderson/Stingley/CJGJ/Lassiter and the rest of that defense. Might be the best in Texans history, and that is saying something. Yet, I really want to see what we have at the TE position. Can Schultz live up to his contract and can someone at that position actually become the red zone threat this squad desperately needs?

4) I think as the season progresses, watch out for the Iowa State Alumni of Noel and Higgins. Especially if coverages shift toward Collins, those two should get the chance to show out, and if they can build chemistry with Stroud and he gets a bit of time…worth the watch.