2021 Houston Texans: Hard to Predict

The Texans have a mess at quarterback involving Deshaun Watson and his legal problems and trade demands. It is a distraction they don’t need. All predictions and preseason talk revolves around him and no one can predict how that is going to play out. They are a team with a new coach, a new general manager, and a bunch of problems.

The Texans brought in Tyrod Taylor as a back-up in case Watson is suspended or traded. They also drafted Davis Mills from Stanford as another alternative. Either way they choose to go these guys are a downgrade from Watson. The rushing attack was bad last year so they signed former Pro-Bowl backs Mark Ingram II and Phillip Lindsay to go along with returnee David Johnson. Brandin Cooks caught 81 passes for 1150 yards in 2020. They also have Randall Cobb and drafted Nico Collins. They have Pro-Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil to build the offensive line around.

They let J.J.Watt leave as a free agent leaving the defensive line weaker and are hoping Charles Omenihu can have a break-out year. Linebacker Zach Cunningham is a stud and led the NFL in tackles with 163 tackles. The secondary was a mess in 2020 and will be helped by the return of Bradley Roby and the signing of Terrance Mitchell from the Browns.

Must Wins: Jacksonville, Carolina, NY Jets, LA Chargers

Toss-Up Games: Indianapolis, at Jacksonville, New England

Probable Losses: at Cleveland, at Buffalo, at Indianapolis, at Arizona, LA Rams, at Miami, at Tennessee, Seattle, at San Francisco, Tennessee

Summary in Two Sentences: If Watson plays and has a good attitude and can put his legal issues behind him they have a decent offense. But, the chances of that happening appear to be pretty slim and it could be a long year in South Texas.