NFL Playoffs: Five reasons Texans will win AFC South

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during game at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) against New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during game at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best receivers in the NFL

Sometimes addition by subtraction is an underrated approach in the NFL. The Houston Texans used that formula when they said goodbye to veteran wideout Andre Johnson. It wasn’t that Johnson was no longer a good player, but he was a progress stopper for their current stud DeAndre Hopkins.

Sure, Johnson’s numbers look good at a glance from 2014 when you say he had 85 catches and 936 yards. The problem, though, is what is happening with Hopkins now that he is the No. 1 threat in this passing game. After just 11 games, Hopkins has 81 receptions for 1,081 yards.

Another area the team has seen a huge jump is with touchdown passes. Johnson simply was never a great touchdown guy, never surpassing nine in one season. During his last season in Houston, he managed just three all season. DeAndre already has tied Johnson’s career best of nine, with five games left to play.

Hopkins has already recorded multiple touchdown receptions in three games this season as well to showcase his playmaking ability. He is also rivaling Odell Beckham, Jr. of the New York Giants for the most amazing one-handed receptions in the league.

The arrow is pointing way up for Hopkins, who finally gives the team some much needed fireworks on offense.

Next: J.J. Watt is playing like J.J. Watt