Houston Texans NFL Betting Odds

Last Season

The Houston Texans kicked off their 2008 NFL season on the wobbly side, losing their first 3 games and 7 out of their first 10. And just when it looked like 2008 was going to be a complete washout for the Texans, they started to show a little spark towards the end of the season. After recovering from his knee injury, quarterback Matt Schaub returned to the lineup and made his presence felt. He averaged 300 yards in Houston's last 6 games, 5 of which the Texans won. Wide receiver Andre Johnson also delivered, receiving a total of 1,575 reception yards. But it was the Texan's poor defense that let them down the most, allowing 336 yards per game.

Off Season

With their lack-luster defense showcased last season, the Houston Texans tried to make amends using the 2009 NFL Draft. They drafted linebacker Brian Cushing who was at the core of the USC Trojans great defense last year. Quick to learn, Cushing should be an asset to the Texans, no matter where on the field he ends up. Another draft, Connor Barwin, is expected to shore up the weaknesses in Houston's defensive line. However, having played as a tight end for much of his career, how quickly Barwin can adapt to his new role will be interesting. Veteran defensive end, Antonio Smith, was also recruited by the Texans, who made his mark a year ago with the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. He is the one player who could make the biggest difference defensively.

2009 Preview

Assuming the Houston Texans have learned from the mistakes they made last season, and engineer a new and effective defense this season, they could once again become a solid and consistent team. As for the team's offense, if Matt Schaub remains injury free and continues to play at the superb level he did towards the end of last year, the Texans should be in a good position. In fact, the offensive trio of Schaub, Johnson and running back Steve Slayton could be the key players required to steer the Texans to success this season. Just how much success is anyone's guess at this point.

2009 Prediction

While the Houston Texans will no doubt unveil a vastly different team this season to the one that hobbled along last year, they'll still have their work cut out for them considering the tough division they've landed themselves in. They'll have to step up to overcome the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. But assuming the Texans can keep their heads and chalk up some big wins early on, the rest of the season could follow suit.

Our Pick A sleeper pick for a big season - we're predicting that the expansion Texans finally make a splash in the NFL and make it all the way to the playoffs. That's a bold claim but if this team can stay healthy they will be harder to beat than ever before.

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