The Rise of the Houston Texans: Are They AFC Contenders in 2025?

The Houston Texans have gone from rebuilding to resurgent—and fast. Once seen as perennial underdogs, the Texans are now turning heads across the NFL landscape in 2025. With a dynamic young core, a bold front office strategy, and a head coach who has quickly become one of the most respected in the league, the question is no longer if Houston can compete, but how far they can go.

So, are the Houston Texans legitimate AFC contenders this season? Let’s break it down.

C.J. Stroud: The Franchise Quarterback the Texans Needed

Everything changed for the Texans when they selected quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Just two seasons into his career, Stroud has already established himself as a top-tier signal-caller. With elite poise, accuracy, and leadership far beyond his years, Stroud’s presence under center gives Houston something it hasn’t had since the early days of Deshaun Watson—true quarterback stability.

His chemistry with the Texans’ receiving corps and his ability to extend plays have helped Houston’s offense become one of the most efficient in the league. As long as Stroud continues his upward trajectory, the Texans will remain a threat in the AFC.

Offensive Weapons Are Clicking at the Right Time

The Texans' front office made aggressive moves to surround Stroud with talent, and it's paying off in NFL Streams  2025. Nico Collins has emerged as a reliable WR1, while the addition of veteran Stefon Diggs has given the team a battle-tested deep threat who can deliver in high-pressure moments. Rookie standouts and a rejuvenated run game have also added balance to an offense that’s no longer one-dimensional.

Tight end Dalton Schultz continues to be a security blanket for Stroud, while the offensive line has steadily improved, keeping the young QB protected and confident in the pocket.

DeMeco Ryans Has Transformed the Culture

Head coach DeMeco Ryans has been nothing short of transformative. In just his second season at the helm, the former NFL linebacker has instilled a winning mindset and accountability throughout the locker room. His defensive expertise has especially shone through, turning a once-leaky Texans defense into a disciplined, aggressive unit that can hang with the best in the conference.

Players buy into his system, and the results speak for themselves. Houston plays with a sense of urgency and belief that was absent in previous years.

A Young and Hungry Defense

Led by breakout stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans’ defense has taken major strides. Anderson, in particular, is blossoming into a game-changing edge rusher who can disrupt even the league’s best quarterbacks. Houston's ability to pressure the passer, create turnovers, and limit big plays has elevated their status from pretenders to contenders.

With added depth across the defensive line and improvements in the secondary, the Texans’ defense is no longer a liability—it’s a reason they’re winning games.

The AFC Landscape in 2025

The AFC remains loaded with talent—Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are still a powerhouse, the Bengals are resurging with Joe Burrow back healthy, and teams like the Dolphins, Ravens, and Bills are fighting for supremacy. But unlike in years past, the Texans are no longer a soft matchup. They’ve already earned wins over several playoff-caliber teams this season, proving they can compete with the best.

Consistency and health will be key, but if the Texans stay on track, they could find themselves not only in the playoffs—but making a deep run.

So, Are the Texans AFC Contenders?

Absolutely. The 2025 Houston Texans are no longer rebuilding—they’ve arrived. With a franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, a potent mix of young talent and veteran leadership, and a head coach who has galvanized the locker room, this team is built to compete now and for years to come.

The road to the AFC Championship may still run through Kansas City or Buffalo, but don’t be surprised if the Texans are right there, making noise and rewriting their story as one of the NFL’s fastest-rising teams.