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Houston Texans
Overall: 50
Title track: T68
Ownership: 42
Coaching: T47
Players: 41
Fan relations: 34
Affordability: 72
Stadium experience: 47
Bang for the buck: 73
Change from last year: +22
Though a quarterback is typically the face of an organization, that hasn't been true for Houston lately. Defensive end J.J. Watt basically is the Texans-he's a big reason the team is ranked No. 41 in the players category, and he's a big reason only five NFL rosters ranked higher in likability. In fact, the 26-year-old Watt is so popular locally that the Houston Chronicle did a 22-page special section devoted solely to the Wisconsin native.
What's good
Even after a dismal 2-14 season in 2013, the Texans had a wait list of 20,000 people for season tickets last year. The vibe in NRG Stadium (ranked 47th in stadium experience) and an NFL-high score in how professionally players act on (and off) the field -- thanks in large part to Watt -- play a big role in bringing fans back year after year, despite above-average ticket costs. Regardless, fans are interested in the Texans, and Houston's front office knows how to treat them well. The fan relations ranking is an admirable 34, the Texans' best showing in any category this year.
What's bad
In the past two seasons, the Texans haven't offered much bang for the buck -- they rank in the bottom half in terms of wins for the money spent on attending games, a cost that averages $120.55 per person. For the 2016 season, tickets cost $600-plus for upper-level seating and $1,800 or more for lower-level seating. At least those who made it into the stadium in 2014 were rewarded with a 9-7 season. That would be seven -- count 'em, seven! -- more wins than in 2013.
What's new
The Texans are still riding a high in coaching (at 47th, up 30 spots from last year) since hiring Bill O'Brien to replace the unpopular Gary Kubiak -- especially after O'Brien's first season in charge was such a success. O'Brien's New England pedigree is a big part of what drew the interest of Texans owner Bob McNair, and fans are still rewarding him for the hiring (42nd in ownership). O'Brien has orchestrated a culture change in Houston, and fans are still on board. Can it continue? That is O'Brien's big test in his second season as an NFL head coach.
Next: Atlanta Falcons | Full rankings