NFL record predictions for the 2018 regular season

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans

It’s hard to find a way to root against the Houston Texans this year.

Two years ago, the Texans were a team good enough to make the playoffs with Brock Osweiler as their starting quarterback. Their roster was strong enough last year, had they not be subject to a number of major injuries.

Make no mistake; The Houston Texans, provided they can stay healthy, will come right back and compete in the AFC South. Deshaun Watson was the best quarterback in the division when he was on the field, and it wasn’t all beginner’s luck. Watson has the pocket evasion skills to keep the play alive and the arm to give Deandre Hopkins his opportunities to shine. With deep threats such as Will Fuller and Keke Coutee joining the fray again, Watson should only improve.

Defensively, the Texans haven’t changed enough to warrant a bet against them. They still have a very solid core, comprised of J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Bernardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Johnathan Joseph, and Tyrann Mathieu. Adding Justin Reid to the secondary will help early this year, and while this team could improve its depth, the Texans have more than enough star power to win and pull away from the pack. They just need to stay healthy.

Houston Texans record projection: 11-5