Houston's bid to become a true AFC contender hinges on C.J. Stroud staying upright behind a reconfigured line and Nick Caley's new offense. If the defense stays healthy, the unit could be the league's most formidable. Calen Bullock's ascent could anchor a rising Texans secondary, while Jaylin Smith's potential breakout would add a USC-flavored boost to the back end and create more turnover opportunities. A favorable late-season schedule and a division viewed as winnable keep the Houston narrative alive for fantasy managers.

The article points to a plausible path: a 10-7 record and a No. 4 seed in playoffs, aided by a reimagined offense, an already potent attack, and a defense that, if healthy, could carry more weight than expected. Trojan ties run through the Texans' roster, potentially elevating multiple players as the season unfolds and sharpening the betting and fantasy outlook for 2025.

For fantasy, Stroud's upside hinges on OL health and Caley's system, while Bullock's development could lift the entire secondary and indirectly boost Texans players around him. If the Trojans-on-Texans thread stays strong, Houston's ceiling remains higher than many expect, even as the Chiefs loom large as a tough matchup to close the year.