NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Titans ink Clowney, Chiefs remain clear favorites

The Houston Texans are still a good football team and Bill O’Brien is still a quality head coach. That might sound controversial given the ire that this team has received this offseason but it’s absolutely true when you consider what this roster brings to the table and what O’Brien has done in his coaching career.

Deshaun Watson is still the quarterback of this group, which gives them a chance in almost any game. Furthermore, the weapons around him are enticing as Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller and Kenny Stills all play into the signal-caller’s strengths as a downfield passer. Meanwhile, the defense remains solid, the O-line has improved and David Johnson might have something in the tank if he’s healthy.

Where opinions about the Texans and O’Brien get convoluted is when you consider the head coach in his role as the team’s general manager. He’s been awful in that capacity, giving away draft picks like they’re worthless and trading away the team’s best non-Watson weapon on offense, DeAndre Hopkins, for sub-standard value.

That type of work may not be good for the long-term outlook of the Texans (it’s definitely not) but the 2020 season only takes into account what the group looks like now. And when you look at that, this team still has viable playoff aspirations and a chance to win the AFC South again.