And once again they're jumping on the Texans bandwagon. Houston is the 49ers of the AFC. Every year they're picked to contend for the playoffs or even the division and every year they disappoint. Yes they have a pretty potent offense, however, their defense is suspect at best. Outside of Mario Williams, who do they have on defense? They had the 30th ranked defense last season and they did little to improve on that in the off season. The only thing they have going for them is that they play in a very weak division but even with Manning's problems, the Texans still don't have enough to overtake them for the division.
I agree in years past, but I think this season is legit. The Texans have always had a quality offense. As a matter of fact, I think they have the best QB/WR/RB/TE combination in the league (Shaub, AJ, Foster, Daniels). The Texans have always been a defense short of relevancy since their inception.
The addition of Wade Phillips as a coordinator will be monumental. He has always been a shoddy head coach, but a good DC. They have quality pieces on defense, but have never been used appropriately (sounds like the Cards!).
The thorn in their side has always been Peyton Manning and the one year the Titans were stellar. With Peyton struggling with a neck injury and the possibility of him sitting out week 1, the Texans have the opportunity to take an early advantage.
I would bet the farm that they make the playoffs.