The 2021 Houston Texans season was just short of a disaster. The Deshaun Watson fiasco cost the Texans a starting quarterback. Houston’s defense was a shell of its former self and wound up 31st against the run and 31st total. The offense was even worse – 32nd in rushing, 32nd in total offense, and 30th in scoring (16.5 ppg).
As a result of the Texans dismal 4-13 season, the David Culley experiment ended. Culley was replaced by former Bears head coach Lovie Smith who had success in Chicago. Can he bring that success to the Texans?
Houston Texans Regular Season Win Total Betting Lines
OVER 4.5 (-130)
UNDER 4.5 (+100)
Last Season
The Texans 2021 season didn’t start well. With Watson out as the team’s starting quarterback, rookie Davis Mills became the guy. Mills and Houston beat Jacksonville to start the season, but promptly lost eight in a row.
The offense couldn’t run the ball – 83.6 yards per game, 32nd in the NFL – which led to the league’s worst total offense (278.1 ypg). Houston averaged 16.5 points a game (30th) and scored nine points or less in seven games.
The defense wasn’t much better ranking 31 st in rushing and total defense. Allowing 26.6 points per game (27th) isn’t going to win a lot of games in the NFL. Needless to say, Houston needs vast improvements in a number of areas in 2022.
Texans Key Losses Heading Into 2022
When you finish 4-13, part of the reason is your roster. Houston did lose a few pieces from 2021. The biggest is Watson, whose issues with the league were a big distraction anyway. Watson was traded to Cleveland. RB David Johnson never really panned out for Houston. He had just 228 yards last year. Journeyman backup QB Tyrod Taylor is gone as is S Justin Reid.
2022 Houston Texans Team Preview
The Texans did add G A.J. Cann and RB Marlon Mack in the offseason. Mills will continue to run the offense as he showed promise in 2021. Houston added a key part of a defensive rebuild with the drafting of CB Derek Stingley Jr. Another rookie, WR John Metchie III, is expected to start and help turn around the Texans offense in 2022.
2022 Houston Texans Schedule
New head coach Lovie Smith will have his hands full. He’s a defensive-minded guy who did well in his time with the Chicago Bears. Look for Houston’s defense to improve. Smith and the Texans will have the luxury of playing Jacksonville twice and the NFC East.
The Texans do, however, face the entire AFC West, which could be the toughest division in the NFL this season. Houston did upset Tennessee last year and they beat the Jags twice, but finding five wins this season is a challenge. The Texans play Chicago and Miami, but both games are on the road.
2022 Houston Texans Regular Season Win Total Prediction
With this being Smith’s first season, don’t expect a complete turnaround in Houston. The defensive roster is still light years behind where the team was a few years ago with the like of J.J. Watt and company.
The offense will likely be better, but the Texans still lack a big-name receiver. Houston didn’t have many big plays last season. Texans running backs broke just 15 tackles last year and the receivers broke 16. Without some big plays, the Texans are destined for another top-5 spot in the 2023 draft.
PICK: HOUSTON TEXANS UNDER 4.5 WINS (+100)
Read our 2022 Jaguars team preview and 2022 Titans team preview.
