The Houston Texans, who finished last season at 11-8, exceeded expectations by making significant improvements under first-year coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, going from worst to first in the AFC South. They have bolstered their roster in the offseason by acquiring star players such as receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, and pass rusher Danielle Hunter, raising hopes for a successful season. The team aims to defend their division title and has aspirations for the Super Bowl, although they face challenges with a tough schedule including games against Detroit, Kansas City, and Baltimore.

Among the new faces on the Texans’ roster are Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, Azeez Al-Shaair, Mario Edwards Jr., and cornerback Jeff Okudah. The team has also experienced key losses like Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, and Steven Nelson. The primary strength of the Texans lies in their dynamic passing game led by standout quarterback C.J. Stroud, complemented by a talented receiving corps including Nico Collins and Tank Dell, in addition to experienced veterans like Robert Woods.

While the defensive end duo of Hunter and Anderson is considered a strength, the team’s interior defensive line appears to be a weakness due to recent signings of Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards. Moreover, the Texans faced a setback in the early part of the season as Denico Autry received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancers.

Fantasy football enthusiasts should keep an eye on Joe Mixon, who has displayed his versatility as a running back and receiver, making him a valuable addition. BetMGM Sportsbook places the Texans’ odds of winning the Super Bowl at 16-1 and sets the over/under wins for the season at 9 1/2.