An offensive overhaul took place this off-season for the Houston Texans, making them an intriguing team entering the 2016 NFL season. The Texans won the AFC South in 2015 with a 9-7 record and look to be an improved team with the addition of former Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler and former Dolphins running back Lamar Miller. The Texans also drafted two wide receivers in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, Will Fuller from Notre Dame and Ohio State’s Braxton Miller to pair with second-year receiver Jaelen Strong and All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins is a top-tier wide receiver and his jersey sales are among the top selling online, as are his signed mini helmets and signed footballs. The Texans’ other All Pro selection from 2015 was defensive end J.J. Watt, who is regarded as being the NFL’s best overall player. Watt is an unstoppable force on the defensive line, excelling as a pass rusher and run stopper. He teams with veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to form a stout defensive line. Former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney looks to improve entering his third NFL season as a push rusher. Behind them is star linebacker Brian Cushing and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who comes off a breakthrough season in 2015. Houston has one of the better cornerback tandems in the league with Jonathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, making this one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. The Texans will compete with the Indianapolis Colts and young and talented Jacksonville Jaguars in their attempt to repeat as AFC South division champions. If the new additions to the offense pan out and the defense performs as expected with Watt as the leader, the Texans will have a chance to contend in the AFC.
