The Houston Texans are still drawing doubt heading into 2026, even after three straight AFC South titles. Vic Tafur isn’t buying the skepticism.
In a recent Athletic piece projecting over/under win totals across the league, Tafur went with Houston to top its 9.5-win line. He said he keeps betting on the Texans because the market keeps missing them.
"People underestimate the Texans every year, and I always cash the over. Are there still questions about the offensive line and C.J.
Stroud? Sure.
But the defense is nasty, and I think the acquisition of running back David Montgomery was one of the most underrated moves of the offseason."
That confidence comes with real caveats. Houston’s offensive line was overhauled after a rough 2025 season, and that group has to do a better job protecting Stroud while opening up the run game. Stroud, meanwhile, is trying to rebound after a season that didn’t match the standard set by his standout rookie year.
Still, the Texans look built to win in a lot of different ways. DeMeco Ryans has assembled a defense that can take over games, with Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr., and Azeez Al-Shaair leading the charge. That unit gives Houston a weekly floor, even when the offense isn’t humming.
Montgomery could be a big part of the answer on the other side of the ball. Houston had trouble creating a physical rushing identity last season, which left too much on Stroud’s plate. Montgomery’s downhill style should help the Texans play with more balance and ease some of that burden in key moments.
There’s also continuity working in Houston’s favor. Nick Caley is back for his second year as offensive coordinator, so Stroud gets another season in the same system after an offseason spent upgrading the supporting cast. Young players like Jayden Higgins are expected to see bigger roles, and Tank Dell is set for a much-anticipated return.
In Other News...
Texans Just Got A Reality Check On Keylan Rutledge
The Texans spent real draft capital to get Keylan Rutledge, trading up to take the rookie lineman in the first round with the hope that he could become part of the solution up front. It was the kind of move that immediately put a spotlight on the pick, especially because Houston is asking him to handle a transition from the right guard spot he played in college to center as offseason work and training camp get underway.
For Rutledge, the assignment is bigger than just learning a new position. His ability to settle in at center will go a long way toward determining how quickly he can carve out a meaningful role on the Texans offensive line, and it helps explain why he has already drawn attention as one of the rookies with the most to gain this summer. The talent is there, but the next few weeks will show whether Houstons bet looks bold or merely premature. [Read more 🡒]
British Brooks May Be Forcing A Texans Backfield Decision
British Brooks has carved out a useful niche in Houston as the kind of backfield piece coaches trust when the job is less about flash and more about doing the dirty work. He has handled blocking duties and special teams, and with the Texans leaning so heavily on 11 personnel last season, his offensive opportunities were always going to be limited.
This offseason, though, Brooks looked different after dropping 17 pounds, and the Texans have already shown more willingness to hand him the ball in tight spaces. He got 17 carries in 2026, with a heavy share coming in short-yardage situations, which is enough to make his role worth watching as camp unfolds and the backfield picture starts to sort itself out. [Read more 🡒]