The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

After a dreadful start, the Houston Texans got it going in 2025. The team ended as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning a host of games to finish 12-5 and back into the playoffs. The Texans even won a playoff game over the Steelers before finding an ending against the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. Can they get further in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

In 2025, Joe Mixon was the missing man. An ankle injury kept him out all season and the run game struggled. So, the Texans parted ways during the off-season. In his place, they made a move to acquire David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. In his seven years he’s rushed for 6,115 yards and 59 touchdowns. He figures to be a force behind C.J. Stroud this season.

The team bid farewell to veteran receiver Christian Kirk and worked to re-build the offensive line yet again this off-season. The team also added veterans on defense, including safety Reed Blankenship. The Texans welcomed back Jadaveon Clowney, who was once a No. 1 draft pick for the team, and Logan Hall to bolster the defensive line.

Fantasy Impact

Stroud has been a solid low-end QB2 the past few seasons. Can he take a step up in 2026? It’s possible, but I still like him as a QB2. In the backfield, Montgomery should be a force. He’s an RB2 for me with some RB1 upside based on what we saw from Mixon in the role in 2024. Woody Marks was admirable as a rookie and should retain some weekly flex value.

In the passing game, Nico Collins is the clear No. 1. He was WR8 last year and should be a low-end WR1. Jayden Higgins tore his ACL and will miss the season, which is a blow. But Xavier Hutchison, Jaylin Noel, and the return of Tank Dell should help. If Dell can stay healthy, I like him as a flex option. Dalton Schultz was TE10 in 2025, but I like him as a TE2.

Prediction

I think the Texans have the best roster in the AFC South. The team has talent on offense and has a fierce defense. The Texans have made the playoffs each year with DeMeco Ryans and Stroud, and I don’t think 2026 is any different. I like them to win the AFC South.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.