2006 Houston Texans Predictions

The Houston Texans are entering their fifth season in the NFL and are still searching for respectability. The Texans regressed badly last season, finishing 2-14 after showing promise in 2004 (7-9). The terrible season did allow Houston to get the No. 1 pick in the draft, but it looks like the Texans didn't get that right, either.

Houston bypassed the consensus best player available, RB Reggie Bush, and opted for DE Mario Williams. While Williams should be a good player, Bush may be the game-breaker that the Texans' offense is missing. Now, word out of Houston is that incumbent RB Domanick Davis' knee injury could be worse than previously thought. There are signs and symptoms pointing to degenerative arthritic (bone on bone) changes in the knee. This is the same condition that ended Terrell Davis' career. It would be a devastating blow to Houston's offense if Davis can't return and would raise even more criticism over the decision to pass on Bush.

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Key Additions: WRs Eric Moulds and Kevin Walter, FB Jameel Cook, DEs Anthony Weaver, N.D. Kalu and Mario Williams (rookie), TE Jeb Putzier, LBs Sam Cowart, DeMeco Ryans (rookie) and Zeke Moreno, C Mike Flanagan, RB Antowain Smith, OTs Eric Winston (rookie) and Charles Spencer.

Key Subtractions: WRs Jabar Gaffney and Corey Bradford, DBs Jason Bell and Marcus Coleman, G Milford Brown, DE Gary Walker, QB Tony Banks.

Sportsbook Odds: The over/under for Houston wins at WagerWeb.com is six. That might be a little optimistic for this young team. At -$155, the under is probably the safest bet on the Texans. Houston has almost no chance of winning its division or even making the playoffs. WagerWeb.com has Houston at +$1800 to win the AFC South, +$6000 to win the AFC championship and +$12500 to win Super Bowl XLI.

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Player to Watch: QB David Carr is still the key to a potentially explosive offense. He has been sacked more than any quarterback in the league in three of the past four seasons. Carr could be in for a breakout season if the line can protect him as the Texans added some weapons through free agency to help the fifth-year starter. Veteran WR Moulds should open up the field for No. 1 receiver Andre Johnson, who caught 79 passes for 1,142 in 2004. Putzier is a pass-catching tight end, and Walter will be a solid third receiver. Walter thinks he'll have more opportunities than he did in Cincinnati. "They might double 'Dre, they might double Eric," Walter said, "and that's going to leave me one-on-one with somebody. Whoever is going to be covering me, they're going to have their work cut out for them that day."

Outlook: The Texans added more than just players this offseason as they fired Coach Dom Capers and replaced him with Gary Kubiak, the highly sought-after former offense coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Kubiak will bring the Broncos' offensive schemes with him to Houston, which will upgrade the offense. If Mario Williams really is as good as Houston thinks he is, he could anchor an improving defense and make the team competitive. The Texans won't be as much of a pushover as they were last season, but don't look for a miracle turnaround just yet.

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb