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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not pictured) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Texans

2016 Record: 9-7, First Place in the AFC South

The Houston Texans almost have it all — an elite defense, a dynamic wide receiver corps and a good enough running game.

If only they had a quarterback.

Brock Osweiler didn’t work under center, and the Texans boldly made the move to grab former Clemson signal-caller Deshaun Watson in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. He’s their future, and his success or failure will greatly influence what happens here while Houston’s playoff window remains open.

Watson may not start right away. And the Texans defense, especially with perennial All-Pro J.J. Watt back, should still be a force in a relatively weak AFC South.

Heck, a 9-7 record managed to be enough to get into the postseason dance.

Strengths

No one can doubt Houston’s defense. Watt’s return, as well as defensive tackle Jadaveon Clowney’s ascension, don’t bode well for the Texans opponents this upcoming season.

And that receiving group? It would be among the league’s best if it had a good enough quarterback to operate under center.

Weaknesses

The ground game isn’t prolific enough to ensure whichever quarterback plays won’t have to do too much. Running back Lamar Miller is good, not exactly great. He’s not a game changer.

But the biggest weakness, of course, is at quarterback.

Watson may wind up proving even more doubters wrong at the pro level. Don’t expect it to happen in year one though. Instead, let the Tom Savage/Brandon Weeden show continue.

X-Factors

All eyes will be on Watson this season. If Houston goes through horrid-to-bad signal-caller play early on, it won’t be long before fans start clamoring to see the former Clemson rookie take meaningful snaps.

While head coach Bill O’Brien won’t want to rush his most prized asset, he has to know his team won’t advance far in the postseason, if it gets there, unless there’s some semblance of a quarterback under center.