One team that shocked the world in 2013 was the Houston Texans and their 2-14 record. Houston was the latest team to go from first to worst in the division and now possesses the top pick in May’s NFL Draft. Gary Kubiak is out and Bill O’Brien is in at head coach, but after the draft, the season begins for these new Texans.

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Looking at the Texans' schedule they have a prime opportunity to get back on the horse and contend in 2014. If the quarterback play lives up to O’Briens' expectations, the Texans can find themselves right back in the thick of it like 2013 never happened. The first five games of the season will judge where the Texans stand as they play five non-playoff teams in the Redskins, Raiders, Giants, Bills and Cowboys.

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The Texans benefit from having the element of surprise early due to O’Brien’s lack of experience at being an NFL head coach, but don’t be fooled, these Texans can make noise. All the pieces are in place for the Texans to improve upon a miserable 2013 where they lost 14 games in a row after being considered Super Bowl contenders.

With their favorable schedule and the right moves in the draft, the Texans could be a candidate for a team that can fly under the radar and be a sleeper playoff team. Playing against the Jaguars twice a year doesn’t hurt the cause either.

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