Houston Texans 5 bold predictions for 2020 season

2. David Johnson will rush for over 1,000 yards

O’Brien will also be incentivized to make sure Johnson puts up big numbers. He is, after all, the supposed big piece the team got in return for Hopkins. The good news for the former Cardinals running back is that he’ll get to play behind an underrated offensive line.

The offensive front used to be a laughing-stock for the Texans, but the franchise deserves credit for upgrading their options in front of Watson in recent years. In particular, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Tytus Howard have dramatically improved the team’s talent level at tackle.

That should lead to a reasonably potent ground game for Houston in 2020. Johnson is set up to be the back that gets the lion’s share of the team’s carries. It’s easy to see how he can go over the 1,000 yard mark if he stays healthy.

When that happens, look for O’Brien to smugly tout his Hopkins trade as a success in front of the media. That will be complete and utter nonsense, but that won’t matter to the Texans’ head man. Look for him to enjoy a Dave Gettleman sort of victory lap when Johnson puts up any sort of decent production.