Why Texans can bounce back from 0-3 start for second straight year, return to playoffs in 2026

Carter Bahns of CBS Sports argues that the Houston Texans can overcome a 0-3 start and return to the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The analysis highlights that Houston previously recovered from the exact same record last season, possesses elite defensive talent, and has endured league-leading bad luck through the opening three weeks under head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Bahns points to the expected return of star wide receiver Nico Collins from a hamstring injury as a crucial boost for quarterback C.J. Stroud and an offense that managed just 23 total points across Weeks 2 and 3. Additionally, Houston faces a favorable remaining schedule tied for the third-easiest by opponent win percentage.