5. Houston Texans
Players to Watch: Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, Ed Reed Move over, Cowboys, there's a new Sheriff in town, and it's the Houston Texans. NFL fans all know that the Cowboys are "America's team," but what I am slowly realizing is that the other beloved Texas team, one draped in red, white, and blue, is kicking the bereft Cowboys out of the limelight. After a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar season last year, the Texans are back and better than ever (on paper). Key additions DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson) and veteran Ed Reed should help to catapult the Texans as immediate Super Bowl contenders. One major weakness for the offense last year was a lack of support for Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub in the passing game. The addition of Hopkins--a promising rookie--could immediately provide a positive impact for the offense. Defensively, J.J. Watt (better known by his sobriquet "J.J. Swat") should continue to barrage opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks this season, and should force opposing teams to run the ball against the Texans' defense and solid ILB Brian Cushing (good luck against him). If that isn't scary enough, how about the addition of veteran Ed Reed to negate opposing defenses from connecting on deep passes. Expect the Texans to give the Broncos a run for their money for first place, but they will fall short and finish 12-4 - second in the AFC.