The Houston Texans have now failed to make the playoffs in each season since joining the NFL in 2002. Last year the Texans tied their franchise best record of 8-8, but owner Bob McNair is tired of losing and feels like its time this team finished above .500 and made a run at the playoffs. Last year the Texans got off to a terrible 0-4 start, and to their credit were able to rebound late in the season, but if this franchise is going to get better it has to start beating the other teams in the AFC South. The Texans won just two games against AFC South opponents in 2008, and that is simply unacceptable for any team trying to make the playoffs.

The Texans really didn’t do a lot this offseason to bolster up their offense, as their biggest offseason move on this side of the ball came in the signing of backup quarterbacks Dan Orlovsky and Rex Grossman, both of whom the Texans hope remain as backups all season long. The team did however make some moves on the defensive side of things, and the biggest move was using their first round selection on USC linebacker Brian Cushing, who should immediately enter the starting lineup. The Texans also added defensive end Antonio Smith to start opposite of Mario Williams on the left side of the field. Other than that the Texans added some depth at linebacker in the additions of Cato June and Buster Davis and at defensive tackle in Shaun Cody. The Texans feel like they can challenge in the AFC South this season, but it won’t be easy getting past both the Colts and Titans this season.

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The Texans should have no problems on the offensive side of things, as they return all 11 starters to a unit that finished 3rd in total offense. A big reason for the offenses explosive season was the outstanding success Steve Slaton had in his rookie year. Slaton wound up leading all rookies with 1,282 yards to go along with 10 touchdowns, not to mention this guy had 50 catches for an additional 377 yards.The team hopes that either Ryan Moats or Chris Brown can compliment Slaton by providing a little more power out of the backfield. A big reason the running game is so successful is opposing defenses have to pay so much attention to the Texans passing game. Quarterback Matt Schaub has all the tools to become an elite quarterback in this league, but he has to find a way to stay on the field, as he missed 5 games last season. Where the Texans are loaded is at the receiver position, as they have arguably the best receiver in the game today in Andre Johnson, who continues to keep getting better and better. Along with Johnson the Texans have a Pro Bowl tight end in Owen Daniels and a very good No.2 receiver in Kevin Walter. If the offense can stay healthy and on the field, this unit should once again be very hard to stop and near the top of the league in a number of categories. Bet the Texans +350 to win the AFC South .

On defense is where the Texans really need to improve this season if they want to make a run at this division. They have the players to get the job done, and now its just making things happen. The Texans have one of the best pass rushers in the game in Mario Williams, and with a new defensive coordinator in Frank Bush, I think we could see Williams come close to 17 or more sacks this season. For that to happen the Texans need a better showing from both Amobi Okoye and Travis Johnson on the inside, as both were a bit disappointing in 2008. At linebacker the rookie Cushing is expected to start on the outside opposite of Xavier Adibi, and if he can come in and be a playmaker for this unit, I really think this defense is going to be a lot better in 2009. Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is the leader of the defense, and after playing nearly all of last season with injuries, he could be ready for a monster season if he stays healthy. The Secondary has its concerns with corner Dunta Robinson, who is not happy at all about receiving the franchise tag this offseason. I expect him to play regardless of how the situation plays out, and he will team up with croner Jacques Reeves, who put together a pretty strong season last year. At safety the Texans will start Eugene Wilson at the free safety spot and Nick Ferguson at the strong safety spot, but keep a close eye on second year safety Dominique Barber, who should challenge Ferguson for the starting strong safety spot. Bet the Texans +4000 to win the NFL Super Bowl.