Texans Ranked 13th in ESPN's Way-Too-Early 2026 Power Rankings

Houston returns 10 defensive starters but faces questions on offense and salary cap space.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:31am

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Despite a 12-5 record and a talented roster returning in 2026, the Houston Texans were ranked 13th in ESPN's way-too-early power rankings for the upcoming NFL season. The Texans are coming off a playoff appearance but have yet to win a divisional round game, and national pundits want to see more before placing them in the top 10. The team will look to build around quarterback C.J. Stroud and address needs on the offensive line and at running back in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

The Texans are aiming to take the next step and make a deep playoff run in 2026 after a 12-5 season, but they face questions about their salary cap situation and need to improve an offense that has struggled to get past the divisional round in recent years.

The details

The Texans are returning 10 starters on defense, including Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Will Anderson Jr., as well as Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, defensive backs Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr., running back Woody Marks, and quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, the team is ranked 21st in the league in salary cap space for 2026, so they will need to be strategic in free agency and the draft to address needs on the offensive line and at running back.

  • The Texans finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record.
  • The 2026 NFL season will kick off in September 2026.

The players

Will Anderson Jr.

Defensive Player of the Year runner-up for the Texans in 2025.

Nico Collins

Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Texans.

Kamari Lassiter

Defensive back for the Texans.

Derek Stingley Jr.

Defensive back for the Texans.

Woody Marks

Running back for the Texans.

C.J. Stroud

Quarterback for the Texans.

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What they’re saying

“The Texans aren't operating with a lot of cap space (rank 21st in 2026, per OverTheCap.com), so this year more than ever is about getting past the divisional round. They're 0-8 in those games, but at least they have draft capital to improve the roster with four picks in the top 69 picks. The offensive line and running back positions will be key spots to focus on, along with adding to the safety room. Every move will help a 12-5 roster that can't get over the hump.”

— D.J. Bien-Aime, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Texans will look to address their needs on the offensive line and at running back in the upcoming NFL draft, where they have four picks in the top 69 selections.

The takeaway

The Texans have a talented roster returning in 2026, but they face questions about their salary cap situation and need to prove they can get past the divisional round of the playoffs. Their ability to address key offensive needs in the draft will be crucial to their chances of making a deep postseason run.