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NFL: Houston Texans will be in the playoffs in 2014 if…

By Russell S. Baxter

Jun 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) goes through drills during mini camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) goes through drills during mini camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Houston Texans-Minicamp
NFL: Houston Texans-Minicamp /

Conclusion: Can the Texans become the third team in as many seasons to finish 11-5 (or better) after a two-win campaign? The Indianapolis Colts (2012) and Kansas City Chiefs (2013) parlayed 2-14 showings into wild card appearances a year after their disastrous showings.

This is a team certainly not short when it comes to talent. And it is playing in a division that a year ago combined for a league-low 24 wins (11 of those by the Indianapolis Colts). It is not inconceivable that the Texans could be right back in the mix for an AFC South title this fall. And Houston fans would have no problem with that.

So will the Texans indeed make the playoffs? The foundation is there for a bounce back season and it wouldn’t be a shock to see O’Brien’s club break even in the win-loss column. What had to be real disappointing for the club was that one year after winning five of their six games versus their divisional rivals, the Texans were a combined 1-5 against the Colts (0-2), Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) and Tennessee Titans (1-1).

When the topic of dark horse team comes up this summer, the Houston Texans will be a popular choice. It remains to be seen if they have enough horses to make a run all the way back to the postseason.

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