Get a $500 Bonus on a $500 Deposit at BetUS!

2009 Houston Texans NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

texans 82009 Following back-to-back 8-8 seasons, the pressure is on for head coach Gary Kubiak to get his team over the hump. The offensive side of the ball is coming along nicely. In fact, the Texans finished third in the league in total offense. But the defense is what’s still holding them back (22nd total defense). Do the Texans finally have what it takes to post a winning record in 2009 and contend for the organization’s first playoff berth. Get my take in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have listed the Houston Texans at +3000 to win Super Bowl XLIV at Sportsbook.com.

Bet your football picks at Sportsbook.com this season and get a special 100% bonus on your first winning wager!

Offense – With Sage Rosenfels now in Minnesota, it’s more important than ever for quarterback Matt Schaub to remain healthy. Schaub was very good when he was on the field in 2008, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, but he still missed five games. Dan Orlovsky is the new backup, but he doesn’t inspire the confident that Rosenfels did when filling in for Schaub each of the past two seasons. If the Texans can keep their starting QB healthy for 16 games, this very well could be a winning season.

Running back Steve Slaton was even better than advertised in his first season as a pro. Slaton led all rookies with 1,282 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns. The team would like to see Chris Brown overcome his injury problems to use him in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

The Texans boast one of the very best wide receivers in the NFL in Andre Johnson. Johnson led the NFL in both receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,575). He teams with Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels and No. 2 receiver Kevin Walter (899 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2008) to form a strong starting unit.

Last year, the Texans were able to ride the same five starting offensive linemen throughout the season for the first time in franchise history. They hope to do the same again this year as the unit is beginning to jell.

Defense – The Texans have tried to create a talented front line with a focus on rushing the passer, but they feel this unit is still underachieving. Mario Williams had 12 sacks last season to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl, bit Amobi Okoye endured a sophomore slump. The team will not rest until its front line is one of the best in the league and it has added end Antonio Smith to further the progress. The Texans are very excited about the arrival of Brian Cushing as he figures to challenge for a starting job on the strong side right away. Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans is a playmaker and the leader of the defense. Zac Diles, Xavier Adibi, and Cato June will also see considerable action in the linebacker unit.

The secondary is likely to be hurt by the Dunta Robinson contract disputes as his focus clearly is not on football at this point. Jacques Reeves and Eugene Wilson will start alongside Robinson when, or if, he gets his act together. Dominique Barber and Nick Ferguson will compete for the other safety spot.

Prediction: 3rd Place AFC South – Improvement is on the way, but I still have the Houston Texans picked third in my AFC South predictions. The Texans have built a lot or momentum heading into the 2009 season by winning five of their last six games in 2008. They also start the year favorably with three of their first four games at home which should ensure that they don’t start off 2009 the way they did 2008 (0-4). I believe this all adds up to a winning season for Houston, but it is not ready to bump out Indy or Tennessee to challenge for a playoff spot. The Houston Texans are listed at +350 to win the AFC South at Sportsbook.com.

Pick up Jimmy Boyd NFL picks season package to play every single one of his NFL releases in 2009 for maximum profits!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: