2015 NFL Season Predictions: AFC South Preview

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman

(75) during Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans: 

Key Additions: QB Brian Hoyer, WR Cecil Shorts, WR Nate Washington, DT Vince Wilfork, FS Rahim Moore, CB Kevin Johnson, LB Benardrick McKinney, WR Jaelen Strong 

The Texans didn’t do too much in free agency, but they did fill a few needs. Last year, I believe Houston was a quarterback away from making the playoffs. The problem is Brian Hoyer is not that quarterback. If Hoyer wins the starting spot, the Texans will have one of the worst starting quarterback in the league which simply isn’t good enough to win.

Adding Shorts and Washington won’t help much either. Shorts can actually be a good wide receiver if he can stay healthy, but he seems to always have some injury. I think Jaelen Strong was a steal in the third round and could be the best option to start next to Hopkins. If not this year, then next year.

Adding Vince Wilfork on defense will give them a big presence in the middle, but Wilfork is getting older and is coming off an at best mediocre season. Signing Moore filled a need, though I think many people still overrate him a bit, but he is definitely a good player. Kevin Johnson was a very smart pick, because he does not need to start right away, but Jonathan Joseph is not getting any younger and they will look to him to replace him. My favorite Texans pick was McKinney. He is a very good inside linebacker that will start right away and make this defense better.

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver

(80) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Key Losses: WR Andre Johnson, OLB Brooks Reed, FS Kendrick Lewis 

The Texans did lose a few solid players, but most of them have been replaced. Texans fans are sad to see Johnson go, but he was looking like he might be a little past his prime and simply wasn’t worth the money that he was due. The problem is that his replacements are definitely not better than him.

Brooks Reed is another good player the Texans lost, but they will hope that Jadeveon Clowney can somewhat live up to the expectations they had in him when drafting him No.1 and fill Reeds void. Lewis was a very solid free safety, but they definitely did upgrade with Moore so letting him leave isn’t to painful for the Texans either.

Verdict: 

Again I think the Texans are a quarterback away from being a playoff team. I don’t believe Hoyer is good enough to guide them to the playoffs. Their best bet is putting their hopes into Ryan Mallett. Arian Foster will have to carry the offense on his back like he did in so many games last year. The problem for whoever ends up being QB is that outside of Hopkins, his targets aren’t all too great. The offensive line is very solid and will give Foster the opportunity to pound through opposing defenses.

On defense Houston did get better. They invested their first two draft picks into the defense and I think that will pay dividends. I think especially McKinney will have a big year in Houston. If Clowney can have a good comeback from his season ending injury, this front seven could be very good. Combined with a good secondary this defense will have success next year. J.J. Watt is physical beast at his position and will impose his will on opposing offensive lineman and continue to have a lot of game changing plays. If one QB can step up this year in Houston then the Texans might be in the playoffs.

Predictions:

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver

(10) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Best Case Record: 10-6

Worst Case Record: 5-11

Prediction: 6-10

Team’s Offensive MVP: WR DeAndre Hopkins

Team’s Defensive MVP: DE J.J. Watt

Rookie Standout: ILB Bernardrick McKinney 

I know a 6-10 prediction is quite surprising for a team that didn’t change much from last year and went 9-7, but if you look at who they beat last year, the only two quality teams were against the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. This offense got a bit worse through the loss of Andre Johnson and I think Fitzpatrick will be missed.

The best case is if Ryan Mallett turns out to be what all the Texans fans hope he is and they beat up Tennessee, Jacksonville and the NFC South and add a couple more wins and go 10-6. I don’t think it is going to happen. I think their defense is very solid but the offense will struggle and they will have a disappointing 6-10 season.

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