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Houston Texans
Overall: 39
Title track: 72
Ownership: 35
Coaching: 45
Players: 29
Fan relations: 27
Affordability: 71
Stadium experience: 52
Bang for the buck: 56
Change from last year: +11
The Texans are up 11 spots from last year's rankings, likely in part to the big offseason the team had after winning the AFC South last year. After a season of revolving quarterbacks that ended with a 30-0 blowout by the Chiefs in the wild-card game, Houston upgraded its offense in a big way, including signing quarterback Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract.
What's good
The Texans' defense is always a highlight, and its talented and personable roster helps Houston to its highest ranking in these standings, in players (29th overall). Defensive end J.J. Watt's season-ending injury is a blow, but the Texans' front seven has been very impactful early in the season and has found success getting to the quarterback. In addition to Osweiler at QB, the Texans signed running back Lamar Miller, and drafted receivers Will Fuller (first round) and Braxton Miller (third round). After last season, when the Texans had four different starting QBs and lost starting running back Arian Foster for most of the season due to injuries, the Texans made sure to improve.
What's bad
Though the Texans have shown promise with their commitment to building the team, it appears that, with a title track ranking of 72, fans still don't think this team is ready to contend. In the Texans' 14-year history, the team has five playoff appearances -- just two victories -- and it's never made it out of the divisional round. Houston still has a ways to go, but a 3-1 start to the 2016 season is promising, as the Texans try to defend their AFC South title and win the division for consecutive years for just the second time in team history.
What's new
Though the Texans' average season-ticket price went up slightly this season, the franchise still ranks in the middle of the pack of NFL teams in average ticket price. But the product on the field has improved, which leads to a 17-spot jump in bang for the buck. The Texans also did a lot during the offseason to improve the stadium experience. NRG Stadium has new (and better) Wifi, as well as new food (the addition of local favorite Killen's Barbecue). Fans can also now check out free energy packs to charge their phones during the games.
Next: New Orleans Saints | Full rankings