How interesting are the Houston Texans in 2026?
In a recent ESPN article, NFL analyst Ben Solak ranked all 32 teams on their watchability based on last season, with the criteria for these rankings being competitive games, big plays and star players. Having a good defense can actually hurt a team’s ranking in these standings, although Solak said that was not the case for Houston.
“One of the lamentable realities of these rankings is that offense is more watchable than defense," Soalk wrote. "I wish it weren't true. I wish I loved the football of my forefathers -- 3 yards, a cloud of dust and a quality punt. But in the modern NFL, offense is king and points are views. Few defenses are good enough to break the watchability barrier ... but the Texans
have one of the few."
Solak also mentioned that the offense did try to improve in 2026, mostly on the line and at running back. With the additions of names like first-round pick Keylan Rutlege, running back David Montgomery and veteran Trent Brown, there's a sense that while it could take time, the Texans' offense could improve, thus helping Houston's watchabiliity rankings.
"If the offense can take a step forward in offensive coordinator Nick Caley's second season, the Texans will likely play fewer close games (12 one-score contests last season, tied for second most). But we'll take a watchability hit in photo finishes to get a watchability boost in better offense," Solak wrote. "Houston was 31st in rushing success rate and EPA per rush last season -- only Las Vegas was worse! Adding David Montgomery in the backfield, and players such as Keylan Rutledge and Wyatt Teller to the offensive line, should lift that number considerably. Terrible offensive performances are never worth tuning in to see, and functional play will not just make the Texans a Super Bowl contender ... it'll improve my viewing experience.”
Houston’s defense certainly was entertaining to watch last season. The Texans had the third-most takeaways of any defense in the league and have a dynamic duo on the defensive line with Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter. Their defense featured six Pro Bowlers, two first-team All-Pro players, one player who was a second-team All-Pro and the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year.
They did not lack competitive games, but they did have less high-scoring games compared to other NFL teams due to how the offense struggled and the defense was so dominant. While that may not make them the most watchable team, it does make them a Super Bowl contender with a better performance on the offensive side of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans ranked No. 12 most watchable team in the NFL
