by - Houston Texans
Predicted record: 9-7
The main focus for the Texans this past offseason needed to be on improving the offensive line to protect Deshaun Watson.
Although they do have some new faces on the line, I’m not sure they will be drastically better. Any improvement is huge for Watson though because he is so talented and just needed some better protection.
Watson is mobile, reads the field well and is the definition of a winner. The biggest thing for Watson is staying healthy and that starts with keeping him standing upright.
I would expect Watson’s favorite target DeAndre Hopkins to have another big year. Hopkins has one of the best catch radiuses in the NFL. If the ball is thrown in his direction, he will likely make the catch. Fantasy owners should always consider taking him with their first pick.
Trading for Duke Johnson with Cleveland will greatly improve the running back situation because Duke will likely be the third down back and catch plenty of passes. Lamar Miller is expected to remain the starter.
JJ Watt is the big name on the Houston defense and for all the right reasons. He is a great character guy and wreaks havoc in the backfield.
Watt and the pass rushers were the strong point of the defense in the past years but it might be time to start focusing on the secondary. Johnathan Joseph, Aaron Colvin, Tashaun Gipson and Justin Reid will likely be the starting four guys with Bradley Roby coming in as the nickel corner.
Houston also added Briean Boddy-Calhoun who can play safety as well as nickel corner and drafted cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. out of Kentucky. That secondary is talented and there is plenty of depth.
The biggest issue for the Texans this season is the fact that the Colts have improved, the Jaguars have improved and the Titans could steal a game in week 17. Houston will make the playoffs but likely with a Wild Card spot.
