Texans Are Being Disrespected by Long Odds to Make NFL Playoffs in 2020

The Houston Texans have gotten more bad press than good so far this offseason, mostly due to trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. While, yes, this was a move that will hurt their receiving corps, this is still a team that made the NFL Playoffs last season led by an incredibly talented QB in Deshaun Watson.

Texans Odds to Make Playoffs 2020

Yet, Watson might not be enough to lead the Texans back to the postseason without his star receiver, as Houston is currently staring at +144 odds of making the 2020 NFL Playoffs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That's an implied probability of just a 41.0 percent shot.

The Texans finished last season with a 10-6 record, even with much of the praise going to Watson's ability. Heading into the final season of his rookie contract, he should be motivated to earn a big paycheck next offseason. A motivated quarterback can go a long way, especially one already as talented as Watson.

To replace some of Hopkins' offensive production, the Texans got RB David Johnson back in the trade. Playing behind one of the worst offensive lines over the past few seasons, Johnson has struggled to replicate his 2016 production, when he totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Should he bounce back to that form, many will quiet down on the criticism to trade away Hopkins.

The Texans also brought in Randall Cobb, who put up 828 yards on a crowded Dallas Cowboys' offense last season. While this does not replace Hopkins, Houston is likely not done bringing in receiving talent.

While headlines may say the Texans have made a mistake moving on from Hopkins, this is still a team with a star QB that has led them to back-to-back, double-digit-win seasons.

Get $20 FREE when you sign up for FanDuel Racing, plus we’ll match your first deposit in site credit up to $50!