PHOTO: Houston Texans/Facebook
In this year’s NFL season, many experts now view the Houston Texans as serious Super Bowl contenders.
Their impressive 10-7 record and playoff run to the Divisional round last year set the stage.
Though bookmakers haven’t made them favorites yet, experts rank them sixth among future championship contenders.
But the big question is, can they stay on top of their division this year, too?
The Texans’ 2025/26 outlook grows more promising each day.So, let’s dive into it! 2024 Recap: What the Texans Did Right and Wrong
PHOTO: Houston Texans/Facebook
The Houston Texans’ path toward becoming contenders in 2025/26 became clearer after their 2024 season. Under DeMeco Ryans, the wide receiver room proved to be their strongest asset. The team added star Stefon Diggs alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell, which led ESPN to call them “one of the best WR rooms in the NFL”. Collins stepped up as an elite receiver and earned his first Pro Bowl selection by posting a second straight 1,000-yard season.
Protection issues plagued the offensive line badly. Stroud ended up as the second-most sacked quarterback in the league, getting taken down 52 times. These protection breakdowns hurt the offense as he faced pressure on 38.6% of his dropbacks – the fourth-highest rate in the NFL.
The defense got a boost when Danielle Hunter joined Will Anderson Jr. to create a dangerous pass-rushing duo. The interior defensive line remained weak, though. Moreover, injuries hit the team hard throughout the season. Collins sat out five games with a hamstring, Diggs tore his ACL eight games in, and Dell’s season ended with a devastating knee injury.
Despite that, the results set up what experts see as a possible championship run in 2025/26.
Offseason Changes That Could Make or Break 2025
The Houston Texans made several smart moves this offseason to fix their biggest weaknesses from 2024/25. DeMeco Ryans and his team picked Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator after a full evaluation process. This change could make a huge difference, especially since C.J. Stroud struggled last season. His numbers hit career lows almost everywhere. He threw 12 interceptions – the most in his career.
The team has also brought in some serious talent to protect their quarterback better. Cam Robinson signed a one-year deal worth $14.50 million, while Trent Brown and Laken Tomlinson joined as potential starters. The team promoted Cole Popovich to lead the offensive line and run game. His experience with New England, where he won two Super Bowls, could help improve a unit that ranked 21st in pass protection and 25th in run blocking according to Pro Football Focus.
Furthermore, the Texans traded their first-round pick but still added nine rookies in the draft. They picked Minnesota’s offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery in round two. He’ll compete with Cam Robinson for the left tackle spot. The defense has also gotten stronger. Derek Stingley Jr. became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive back with a three-year, $90 million extension that guarantees $89 million.
Just like the best online casinos in Texas, these moves have turned the Houston Texans into real Super Bowl contenders. They’ve fixed their protection issues and added depth where they needed it most.
Strengths That Make Houston A Real Contender
The Houston Texans’ path to Super Bowl success in 2025/26 stems from their elite talent at key positions. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter lead this dominant force, as they combined for an impressive 23 sacks last season. Anderson led the team with 13.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. Hunter added 12 sacks in his first season with the Texans.
The addition of rookie standout Kamari Lassiter also creates a championship-caliber defensive backfield that analysts project will lead the NFL in interceptions in 2025. Houston’s offense boasts promise. Nico Collins leads the receiving corps with impressive stats. He’s averaging over 14 yards per catch and surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in just 12 games.
The team’s arsenal has also grown stronger with Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who bring proven production and natural chemistry to the offense. Team chemistry has become the Texans’ cornerstone. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair sees the brotherhood developing: “You can see it. You can feel it on the field and when you’re watching the tape. That’s the kind of bond we had in San Francisco, and they continue to have it there. That’s why the 49ers are playing for championships year after year”.
Risks And Challenges On The Road To The Super Bowl
The Houston Texans face tough challenges on their road to Super Bowl 2025/26, even with their improved roster. Their schedule looks brutal with eleven games against teams that had winning records in 2024. They must face five division champions: Kansas City, Baltimore, Buffalo, Dallas, and Detroit.
The Baltimore Ravens remain their biggest nemesis.
The Texans haven’t won a single game against the team under DeMeco Ryans, getting outscored 90-21. Moreover, their offense struggles badly against the Ravens. So, road games will push the team to its limits. The big question is whether they can stay on top of their division while dealing with a first-place schedule.
Most experts think they have what it takes – young talent, better offensive protection, and defensive excellence.
If Stroud plays like he did in his rookie year under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, the Texans might bring home their first-ever Lombardi Trophy.
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