The young Texans are seemingly ready to take the next step as they continue to build a solid defense. Oddsmakers have made Houston a long shot to win the 2009 Super Bowl, however, setting their odds at 60/1.
The Texans concentrated on re-signing their own guys in the offseason. Houston welcomed back wide receiver Andre Davis, safeties C.C. Brown and Will Demps and guard Fred Weary. They also inked safety Nick Ferguson (Broncos) and center Chris Myers (Broncos). The team wanted to beef up offensive line, so it drafted Duane Brown out of Virginia Tech in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
A lot of pundits like what the Texans have done over the past couple years in terms of building a solid, young core of players. Defensively, Houston continues to build a nice collection of talent, including linebacker DeMeco Ryans, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and cornerback Dunta Williams. Offensively the team needs to continue to build the line, but quarterback Matt Schaub proved he could carry this team before he got injured last year, and receiver Andre Johnson is one of the best in the NFL.
The odds for Houston are level across the board at all online sports books. Current prices on the Texans’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl are all 60/1 at SBG Global, Bodog, and Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Texans’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 7.5, but clearly think Houston will win more than 7.5 games considering the over pays out at –120 compared to -110 for the under.
A lot of what the Texans do this season will depend once again on the play of the offensive line and if Schaub can stay upright. He played well before his injury and the defense is good enough to keep the Texans in ballgames this year. They’re a long shot at 60-1, but you have to like a young, spunky team on the rise. Contenders emerge every year in the NFL and who’s to say it’s not the Texans turn in 2008-09?
Houston Texans Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 60-1
Bodog 60-1
Sportsbook.com 60-1
Houston Texans 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Houston Texans Over 7.5 Wins (-120)
Houston Texans Under 7.5 Wins (-110)