Fox Sports ranks the Houston Texans' defense as the top unit for the upcoming NFL season, suggesting it could be among the best in league history. The Texans have made significant changes to their offense, but the defense remains the standout strength.
Will the Houston Texans' offense be good enough to keep the AFC South franchise in contention among AFC teams next season?
It better, because most pundits believe the defense will be among the elite units in league history.
Fox Sports recently revealed its top 10 offenses and defenses for the upcoming season. Naturally, it was hard to give praise to the Texans' revamped offense, even though there were significant changes to the trenches and running back room via free agency and last month's draft.
As for the defense, nine other teams just had to accept that they'd be fighting for second place since Houston was voted the favorite by a landslide. It only improved with the additions of safety Reed Blankenship and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
"DeMeco Ryans returns 10 starters to his defense that ranked first in yards allowed and second in scoring in 2025," Fox Sports' Ben Arthur wrote. "Adding standout veteran safety Reed Blankenship and second-round rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald raises the ceiling of a defense that’s already Super Bowl-caliber."
Houston last season had not only one of the best defenses in more than just total yards. Featuring three Pro Bowlers in the secondary — along with a pair of top 10 defensive ends — the Texans finished top three in takeaways and second in turnover differential with a +17 margain.
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This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: A Super Bowl-caliber defense? Fox Sports gives Texans top ranking
Fox Sports ranked the Texans' defense as the best due to significant improvements and key additions, including safety Reed Blankenship and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
The Texans revamped their offense with significant changes in the trenches and the running back room through free agency and the recent draft.
The Texans' defense is considered the favorite by a landslide, with nine other teams competing for second place in Fox Sports' rankings.
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