Texans' Biggest Strength, and Biggest Question Mark Entering 2026

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Texans' Biggest Strength, and Biggest Question Mark Entering 2026

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 12:48 PM ET

The Houston Texans were second in the AFC South, earning a Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before falling 28-16 to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. The team already has the defensive foundation of a serious AFC contender. The question is whether the offense can take one more step and keep Houston on the field.

General manager Nick Caserio added some pieces around a roster that already expects to compete. Houston added David Montgomery to the backfield and brought in Reed Blankenship, Kayden McDonald and Jadeveon Clowney to add depth and experience on defense. Kayshon Boutte was also acquired to help a receiver room hit by injuries. Recent reporting says Boutte is already building chemistry with C.J. Stroud.

The Texans open the 2026 regular season against the Bills on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both teams finished 12-5 in 2025, making it a strong early measuring stick.

Texans Have a Defense Built to Travel

Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are the headline duo, producing 27 sacks combined. Derek Stingley Jr. remains the centerpiece after earning first-team All-Pro honors. Kamari Lassiter gives Houston another physical outside corner.

Behind them, Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre provide range and versatility. That combination matters because opposing quarterbacks cannot simply attack one obvious weakness.

The Texans allowed 295 points, second-fewest in the NFL, while opponents scored only 17.4 points per game. They allowed just 4,713 yards while ranking No. 1 in the league in total defense. That allows Ryans to keep more defenders in coverage and make quarterbacks beat the secondary with difficult throws.

Can the Offense Stay out of its own way?

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud after the AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images)

The 2025 numbers explain the concern. Houston scored 404 points, good for 13th in the NFL. They ranked 18th in total offense producing 5,559 total yards. The defense constantly kept opponents within the reach, but Houston lacks a championship offense.

Stroud has to be the player who closes the gap. He started 14 games in 2025 and finished with 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. That was well below the standard he established as a rookie. Texans do not need Stroud to turn into a 5,000-yard passer. It needs him to become more consistent on third downs, protect the football and convert the opportunities created by his defense.

Nico Collins remains the centrepiece of the passing attack; Kayshon Boutte was added after Jayden Higgins’ season-ending ACL injury. Houston has also dealt with offensive-line concerns, including the situation surrounding tackle Braden Smith. That puts extra pressure on Collins, Boutte, Jaylin Noel and the running game to keep the offense functional.

The defense can keep Houston alive. Stroud has to give it enough offense to finish the job.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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