For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Texans finished above .500 in 2009. They came up just short of the playoffs at 9-7 though, which is still something Houston hasn't accomplished. This could be a make or break year for HC Gary Kubiak, as he has been given the ultimatum for playoffs or bust this season.

QB Matt Schaub proved that he can be one of the elite quarterbacks in the game when he stays healthy. He led the top passing attack in the NFL last year, throwing for 4,770 yards. His top receiver Andre Johnson has a bit of a contract dispute, but he is one of the best in the game. Johnson had 1,569 receiving yards and accounted for a team high nine TDs.

The rushing attack is going to be a real issue once again. Second year RB Steve Slaton had a major drop off from his rookie campaign to his sophomore one. He only ran for 437 yards, which led the team. The Texans drafted RB Ben Tate to try to help a red zone offense that ranked dead last in the NFL. Several games ended with Houston sitting on the doorstep without the ability to punch it in. Had even one of those games gone the other direction, perhaps the Texans would've been in the playoffs.

The defense continues to get better little by little for the Texans. Former first round draft pick Dunta Robinson is gone, but he has been replaced by rookie DB Kareem Jackson out of Alabama to step into his role. Defensive Rookie of the Year LB Brian Cushing has been suspended for the first four games of the season, but when Cushing lines up next to LB DeMeco Ryans, Houston has one of the best tandems of linebackers in the game. The Texans ranked 17th in the NFL in scoring defense at 20.8 points per game last year.

Winning ten games isn't out of the question for the boys from the Lone Star State this year. Taking down either Indy or Dallas in those first two games at Reliant Stadium is paramount, and if that's how it all plays out, Houston could be 4-2 going into its bye week and have a real shot of making the playoffs. Still, the AFC South crown remains out of reach, though.

2010 NFL Betting Odds (Bet the NFL at The Greek Sportsbook)
Houston Texans Odds To Win AFC South: +350
Houston Texans Odds To Win AFC Championship: +1400
Houston Texans Odds To Win Super Bowl XLV: +3000
Houston Texans Season Win Total: 8 (over -120)

2010 Houston Texans Regular Season Schedule
9/12 vs. IND
9/19 @ WAS
9/26 vs. DAL
10/3 @ OAK
10/10 vs. NYG
10/17 vs. KC
Bye
11/1 @ IND
11/7 vs. SD
11/14 @ JAC
11/21 @ NYJ
11/28 vs. TEN
12/2 @ PHI
12/13 vs. BAL
12/19 @ TEN
12/26 @ DEN
1/2 vs. JAC