The Houston Texans are entering the 2026 NFL season with plenty of playoff buzz, and the reason is easy to see. A 12-5 finish last year, a nine-game regular-season winning streak after a 3-5 start, and a defense that ranked No. 1 in the league have Houston looking like a team ready to push for more.
That optimism is showing up in predictions, too. Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY picked the Texans to win the AFC South, and his case starts with the defense.
"Returning almost every starter from the league’s No. 1 defense, the Texans are poised to have one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses again in 2026.
With edge rushers Anderson Jr. and Hunter, cornerback Stingley Jr. and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the Texans have playmakers on every level of their defense. That all makes the Texans a dark-horse Super Bowl contender - if quarterback C.J. Stroud makes positive strides this season.
Stroud’s regressed since his superb rookie season, but general manager Nick Caserio and the team have praised Stroud this offseason in anticipation of an improved year. A revamped O-line to pave the way for David Montgomery could provide dividends for the offense, too.
The Jaguars figure to be Houston's No. 1 competition. The Jags won an impressive 13 games last season and should once again be considered a playoff contender.
Jacksonville boasts a good receiving trio in Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington, but there are questions at running back and tight end. Defensively, it might be difficult to replicate the amount of turnovers the unit produced last year, especially without Lloyd."
Jacksonville may be getting the most attention as Houston’s biggest threat, but the Indianapolis Colts still have a say in the division race. The Colts were 8-2 before an injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones knocked them off course.
Jones’ return could change that picture in a hurry, though the rumored contract "hold in," or limited participation in camp to receive a new contract, of star running back Jonathan Taylor has added uncertainty for the Colts this preseason.
For now, the AFC South looks like a three-team battle unless the Tennessee Titans make a major turnaround. And with that kind of setup, Houston will be aiming to finish first when it matters most.
In Other News...
Texans Camp Just Made One Roster Battle Feel A Lot More Real
The Texans second padded practice of camp had a little bit of everything, from a sharp day for C.J. Stroud to more encouraging flashes from rookie receiver Jayden Higgins. The offense carried much of the early focus, and the team also kept sorting through its punter competition between Tommy Townsend and Ryan Stonehouse as the competition calendar starts to feel more real.
Jadeveon Clowneys first day back after re-signing a one-year deal added another layer to the defensive conversation, especially with camp now in full gear. Houston is still shaping how the edge rotation will look behind Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, and every practice rep matters when the Texans are trying to balance proven depth with the roles that still need to be sorted out. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Offense Has A Matchup Edge Defenses May Not Handle
The Texans offensive personnel for 2026 comes with a trait that can change the feel of a game before the ball is even snapped: size. Rookie tight end Marlin Klein is part of a group that gives Houston a clear height advantage in spots, and that kind of length can matter when the playbook narrows and the offense starts hunting for mismatches near the goal line or on third down.
That edge is especially relevant with Buffalo coming next, since the Bills defense will have to account for a Houston group that can simply see and play above a lot of whats in front of it. For a Texans offense trying to squeeze every advantage out of its roster, the question is whether that frame advantage becomes a real problem for a defense built to handle the leagues usual looks. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Fans Got Immediate Relief After Azeez Al-Shaair Scare
Tuesdays Texans practice briefly tightened every shoulder in camp when linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and tight end Dalton Schultz both hit the ground and headed off the field. For a team trying to build toward the season, any injury scare in training camp can shift the mood fast, especially when it involves two players working in the middle of the action.
Al-Shaair later eased plenty of that concern by telling reporters he feels great and does not have a serious injury, and both players appeared to be fine after the session. It was the kind of quick relief Texans fans were hoping for, a reminder that not every awkward camp moment turns into a problem that lingers. [Read more 🡒]