Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

18. Houston Texans

If the Texans had even an average offensive line they’d shoot up this list. Unfortunately, Deshaun Watson is going to have to create plays with his feet all season long. He’s capable of that if he can stay healthy, but there aren’t any guarantees he can last a full season.

If he can, he and DeAndre Hopkins are going to hook up for a ton of big plays. Will Fuller will also help stretch the field vertically. This passing game will require defenses to defend them at all three levels.

Lamar Miller’s ability as a runner will help cover up some of the line’s deficiencies, but he can’t do everything by himself. The run game in Houston will struggle until they can acquire some offensive line help.

There are injury issues on the defense too. J.J. Watt can be a dominating pass rusher when he’s healthy, but he’s sustained multiple serious injuries now. It’s fair to wonder whether or not he, Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney can torment offenses all season long.

Luckily, the Texans have a talented secondary that can hold up even if the pass rush isn’t great. Moving to safety should help Kareem Jackson bounce back from a disappointing season. Adding Tyrann Mathieu at safety will give the coaching staff even more scheme versatility.

The Texans season is all going to boil down to health. If it breaks their way, they could make noise in the playoffs. If the only breaks are bones, they could be armed with a high draft pick next year.