Houston's elite defense is Super Bowl ready. Just one offensive spark could ignite their 2026 championship run.
The Houston Texans don't necessarily receive the national praise they deserve. The franchise has not yet hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, but it has been one of the most consistent and successful teams in the league over the last three years. Houston has been a mainstay in the playoffs, and the team has advanced in the postseason in each of the last three seasons.
It has already been established that Houston's defense is of the caliber to go to and win a Super Bowl. It is one of the best defensive units in the league, and the offense just needs to catch up and take care of the football. The turnovers were what got the Texans eliminated from the postseason this time around, and they need to change moving forward.
Former NFL linebacker and current analyst, Manti Te'o, recently participated in a segment discussing what teams in the NFL might just be one offseason away from legitimately contending for a Super Bowl, and he named the Houston Texans, "With the defense that you have over there in Houston, you just need an offense that won't lose you the game. You don't even need an offense that's going to win you the game. There was so many times that we saw last year, especially in the postseason, it was a defense that kept giving you opportunities. If there's a team guys that I think is just one offseason away, just one free agent signing away, it's the Houston Texans."
The offense is definitely the side of the ball that General Manager Nick Caserio will be paying the most attention to throughout the 2026 offseason. The group needs to improve its offensive line, and a top running back could also help. Both of those things would make life easier on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is catching a lot of blame for turning the ball over in the postseason.
An improved offensive line would do wonders, helping the rushing attack while giving Stroud more time to make the right decision. Outside of those two spots, other areas that could be addressed might be tight end. A player like David Njoku would be interesting to bring in, and it would allow the offense to operate out of 12 personnel more often.
Houston can already be seen as a true contender after winning a playoff game in each of the last three seasons, but more steps are needed to get over the hump.