Tom’s take on the Texans’ season:
I knew I was high on the Texans coming off their strong 2025, but I didn’t know I was this high. Will C.J. Stroud and the offense figure out a way to be consistently competitive? That remains a blank spot in the forecast, and it is going to heavily influence the viability of my predicted record. The thing is, I became smitten last season with Houston’s defense, which was even more dominant, in some respects, than the one that helped power Seattle’s championship run, finishing first in the NFL in yards allowed per game (277.2) and defensive EPA per play (-0.18), per Next Gen Stats. I can see that unit pushing the Texans into their bye with a muscular 6-1 mark, after which a victory or two against one of the remaining non-divisional playoff contenders on the schedule could nudge them past 12 wins for the first time in franchise history.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 vs. Bills.
It’s only one game, but this really could set the course of Houston’s 2026, if Stroud keeps the ball moving enough to prevail over Josh Allen. From the jump, my conviction in the Texans was put to the test, and apparently, I’m all in.
Will the Texans make the playoffs?
- Ali: Yes, as the AFC South champion (No. 4 seed).
- Tom: Yes, as a wild card (No. 5 seed).
