ClutchPoints
Last season, the Houston Texans were supposed to be one of the NFL’s breakout stories. However, they fell flat due to injuries, poor offensive line play, and growing pains around quarterback CJ Stroud. Now, in 2025, optimism remains, but it’s laced with caution. The talent is undeniable, the defense looks loaded, and the front office has patched major holes. Until this group shows it can put everything together consistently, though, the Texans remain one of the AFC’s biggest wild cards.
The Texans wrapped up their 2025 preseason with games against the Vikings, Panthers, and Lions. Sure, the roster looks strong on paper. Still, with Stroud at quarterback, a dangerous pass rush, and playmakers in the secondary, hype has cooled on them in recent weeks. Right now, but doubts linger despite their talent. Of course, the offensive line remains the glaring concern. Until that unit proves it can protect Stroud and establish balance, Houston’s ceiling will stay limited. That’s even if the rest of the roster appears playoff-ready.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the three bold predictions for the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL season.
Last season was a nightmare for Stroud. He endured one of the league’s leakiest offensive lines and finished with some of the highest sack and pressure rates in the NFL. 2025 looks much different, though. General manager Nick Caserio completely overhauled the line. They traded away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green while bringing in Trent Brown, Cam Robinson, and Laken Tomlinson on one-year deals. He also added guard Ed Ingram via trade and drafted offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery in the third round. The line can’t possibly be worse than it was a year ago, and incremental improvement could go a long way.
The skill-position group has also been rebuilt. Veteran Nick Chubb joins the backfield, while Christian Kirk arrives via trade. They should add polish and consistency to the offense. Houston also doubled down in the draft. They selected wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Both of them flashed promise in camp. With Nico Collins healthier and Tank Dell back in the fold, Stroud suddenly has options everywhere.
Shoulder soreness aside, Stroud heads into his third season with the best supporting cast of his career. If the line holds up even moderately well, expect him to remind everyone why he was one of the most hyped young quarterbacks in football just two years ago.
The Texans’ defense was already strong last season. They ranked in the top five in efficiency while piling up 49 sacks. That was good for fourth-most in the NFL. The scary part? They may be even better in 2025. The secondary is shaping into one of the deepest young groups in the league. Derek Stingley Jr remains the headliner. That said, second-year players Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock are on the verge of stardom. Together, they give Houston a versatile,...
