AFC South power rankings: Where do Tennessee Titans start season?

2. Houston Texans

Last year’s AFC South champs, the Texans reek of dysfunction in 2019. There is no general manager, and the Texans just got fleeced in a deal that sent a talented pass-rusher in Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick and a couple of spare parts.

What the Texans do have is an offense with some dynamic playmakers, including the best quarterback in the division, Deshaun Watson, and one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins.

The problem there is that the Texans have to keep Watson upright and healthy if they’re going to utilize all their weapons, and it’s doubtful this putrid offensive line can do that even after the acquisition of left tackle, Laremy Tunsil.

The season-ending injury to running back Lamar Miller is another punch to the gut for this Texans offense to overcome, and his replacement, Duke Johnson, has never proven he can carry the load at running back during his time in the NFL. If he can’t behind this offensive line, the Texans will become one-dimensional, and that could be disastrous for Watson and Co.

On defense, the Texans do have immensely talented pass-rushers even with Clowney’s departure – namely J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus – but the secondary is as questionable as ever and it’s just not clear if the offensive line can protect Watson enough to overcome the amount of points this defense will let up.