2025 Houston Texans projected win total, prediction

The Houston Texans are the only team in the AFC South projected to finish with a winning record, and it's easy to understand why. They arguably have the best quarterback in the division and have made the playoffs in the last two seasons with a 10-7 record.

Oddsmakers predict that the Texans will experience a similar season in 2025, despite some notable changes.

Projected win total: 9.5 (BetMGM)

Outlook: C.J. Stroud showed some regression last season after his shockingly impressive NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Campaign in 2023. One reason for that is that the quarterback was sacked 52 times, the second most in the NFL behind Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams.

The Texans have revamped their offensive line, but there is hardly a guarantee the unit will be better this season. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was traded to Washington and replaced with Cam Robinson, which is likely a downgrade. Second-round rookie Aireontae Ersery could push for playing time at either tackle spot, but Houston has a collection of less-than-stellar veterans on the interior of their line.

Nico Collins headlines Houston's wide receiver group as one of the best players in the league at his position. Additionally, the Texans acquired Christian Kirk in a trade, and he should have an opportunity to make a big impact. Tank Dell is still recovering from a major knee injury.

The Texans also added veteran running back Nick Chubb to play behind Joe Mixon, who had an outstanding season last year with 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns.

Houston was solid defensively last season, and that should remain the case. The Texans have one of the best pass-rush duos in the NFL in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Moreover, they boast an elite cornerback tandem with Derek Stingley, Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, who helped hold opponents to just 201.0 passing yards per game last season. That was the sixth-best mark in the NFL.

The AFC South is one of the weakest divisions in football, which is why the Texans' schedule is not all that daunting. They have some tough out-of-division games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. However, they should run through their divisional opponents.