Houston Texans Gaining Momentum in AFC South

   

Following a season in which the Houston Texans made their way to another division title in the AFC South and went 10-7 on the year, it was an offseason where the front office was far from complacent entering their third season in the C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans era.

Whether that be their movement around the offensive line, a brand-new outlook for C.J. Stroud's receiving room, the signing of a big-name back like Nick Chubb, multiple moves around the edges defensively, and most importantly, the hiring of Nick Caley from the Los Angeles Rams to be the new offensive coordiator, it's been a busy past few months of getting to work in Houston.

And perhaps with such a busy, and possibly productive, offseason in the books for the Texans, it could be on the verge of paying some massive dividends next season, while also being worth a strong look on the betting market.

In the eyes of Sports Illustrated's Iain McMillan, the best bet surrounding the Texans next season centers upon one leaning squarely upon Houston's success next season: betting Houston to win the AFC South for a third-straight season (+115, via DraftKings).

"The Texans likely overperformed during their impressive 2023 season, but I think they underperformed in ’24, which now makes them a bit underrated in the betting market heading into ’25," McMillan wrote. "They may still be a step below the top contenders in the AFC, but they’re the clear team to beat in their division. Replacing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik with former Rams assistant coach Nick Caley is going to do wonders for Stroud and this Texans offense."

The Texans do have a ton of factors breaking their way that would cement that confidence in their ability to win the South once again in 2025.

 

Taking a step back to look at Houston's competition, it's banking on a ton of improvement, and the Texans regressing even further than last season. The Indianapolis Colts don't have a starting quarterback, the Tennessee Titans have a rookie quarterback with an unstable offensive line, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are a big unknown, but are fresh off a four-win campaign.

Simply, it's the Texans' division to lose, both from an external lens and when focusing on the talent in-house.

Houston's elite defense is back in the fold for next year, both young and likely improved after a full offseason, headlined by guys like Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. who could be on pace to take another major step in their development this season.

Combine that defensive prowess with the improvements made offensively, the best one being the hiring of Caley, and there's a reason to have confidence in Houston making the necessary improvements from how things finished last year, and winning the AFC South for the third time in a row for the first time in franchis history.

If the Texans' protection can hold up, and Stroud can return to his rookie-level form, the sky may be the limit for this Houston group, and one fully capable of securing that division crown once again.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Nguyen Sa -
The Latest

Cowboys Criticized For 'Too Long and Too Cheap' Approach At One Key Position

Sport -7 giờ

The Dallas Cowboys running backs room is lowly-rated. One or more of these four newcomers needs to change that. FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys' needs at running back coming into this offseason were no secret prior to the NFL Draft, and yet it ...

7 Bills' players land in SI Fantasy Football Top 200 led by NFL QB1 Josh Allen

Sport -7 giờ

The Buffalo Bills return all key parts from what was the NFL's second-highest scoring offense in 2024. Even more impressively, the Bills became the first team in league history to score at least 30 rushing touchdowns and 30 passing touchdowns in the same ...

Ravens Veteran WR Says They Could Be Missing Piece

Sport -7 giờ

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best teams in football over the last five years, but they can’t seem to make it over the final hurdle to the Super Bowl. One of the team’s recent additions could be the missing ...

Kirk Cousins lands in only kind of Hall of Fame he'll ever get anywhere close to

Sport -7 giờ

Kirk Cousins started his NFL career behind Robert Griffin III for three seasons as the backup quarterback in Washington. He took over as the starter in 2015, the final year of his rookie contract, and he led the league in ...

Outlet’s Fantasy Rankings Reflect Steelers’ Mixed Bag RB Rotation

Sport -7 giờ

With NFL training camps on the horizon, it’s fantasy football season for many. Several teams’ depth charts will be factored into drafting decisions for fans, especially squads with multiple dynamic options to choose from. Even after losing Najee Harris this offseason, the Pittsburgh ...