As we review the Houston Texans AFC South Betting Odds for 2008 we already know about the injuries in the past which have hurt them.  They have been improving ever year, is this the year they finally make the playoffs? 

Last year Houston finished 8-8, it was the team's best record in their six history.  If Houston doesn't have a winning season this year it will be considered disappointing.  If the Texans can stay healthy and survive the brutal first part of the season, then they could get into the wild card spot at the end of the season.  Coach Gary Kubiak and owner Bob McNair are shooting for a playoff run, but it's not going to be easy.  Health is a big concern for the team, they have been the most injured team over the past two years, Andre Johnson, Ahman Green, Schaub, Dunta Robinson.  The Texans have a tough schedule on top of their tough division, but I'm giving them a fighting chance, especially if they can etch out wins against Jacksonville.  They have a strong group of young players and they need to step up if they want to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  The AFC South Betting Odds at Bodoglife.com currently have the Houston Texans 60/1 to win the 2009 Superbowl.

This will be quarterback Matt Schaub's second year in the league.  Selected by Atlanta Falcons in the third round (90th pick overall) of 2004 NFL draft…signed by Falcons on July 28, 2004…traded by Falcons to Houston Texans on March 22, 2007.  The Texan are anxious to see how Matt Schaub performs in his second year as the starter.  Schaub missed five starts last year and another four games leaving with early an injury.  He must stay on the field this season and prove he is the best QB on the team.  Last year Schaub's play was overshadowed by backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who won four of his five starts as Schaub's replacement.  Rosenfels will push Schaub in practice, as he has proven he could be the starter.  The AFC South Betting Odds at Bodoglife.com currently have the Houston 11/1 Odds to win 2008/09 AFC South Division. 

Is this the year this expansion franchise will finally have a winning season?  They were a franchise on the rise after they got #1 draft pick Mario Williams.  He may not have made it to the Pro Bowl last year but he will get there in the future.  Williams must pick up where he left off last season when he made 14 sacks at defensive tackle.  The 14 sacks was third best in the league last season.  They are on the rise but how far will it go this season is still the question. 

While it is true that Houston plays in one of the strongest division in the NFL, that only hardens them to playing outside of their division.  They went 7-3 against the rest of the league last year.  When you factor in the injuries to their best players (Johnson, Robinson, Green, and Schaub) it's easy to see why 2008 could be their first playoff season.  Offensively the key is to get a running game started this season.  Injuries hurt the Texans so much at running back the past couple of years, that they have now been able to implement the run-first offense.  They've really got some young talent on the come, and if they get steady play from their rookies, 10 wins is easily reachable.  Duane Brown in particular is the rookie they'll need to get the biggest contribution from.  He was drafted at 26 because Alex Gibbs wanted him.

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