NFL Betting News – Texans Making All The Right Moves, Sign Andre Johnson To Extension

I’ll admit, even I was dumbfounded when the Houston Texans selected Mario Williams ahead of Reggie ‘I want my Heisman back’ Bush with the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Betting Draft.

When the commissioner said, “With the first pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select, Mario Williams from North Carolina State University,” it confirmed to me why the Texans were one of the worst franchises in the NFL.

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Williams’ performance in his first year with the Texans was dreadful and he was plagued by a plantar fasciitis injury for the duration of the season.

To add insult to injury, the other two candidates for the number one pick in the draft – Vince Young and Reggie Bush – had impressive rookie campaigns.

Vince Young won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tennessee and Bush helped the Saints reach their first divisional title since 2000.

A media nightmare ensued in Houston, yet the Texans franchise stood by their number one pick.

Confidence in Williams, would prove to be decisive and of pinnacle importance to Houston’s future success.

The 2007 NFL betting season would mark the emergence of Williams and a new era for the Houston Texans.

After recording a 2-14 record in 2005 and improving to 6-10 in 2006, the Texans posted their best season in franchise history, going 8-8.

Williams finally proved his worth by recording 14 sacks and showcasing his leadership amongst a young and improving Texans defense.

Houston was also making strides on the offensive side of the ball.

They acquired Matt Schaub from Atlanta to replace former number one pick David Carr at quarterback and wide receiver Andre Johnson, started to gain recognition as one of the best receivers in the game.

Although Johnson and Schaub’s 2007 seasons were cut short by injuries, the Texans were growing into a formidable opponent in the AFC South.

Last season, the Texans recorded their first winning season ever going 9-7 and placing second behind the Indianapolis Colts in the division.

The Texans had the number passing offense in the league and their defense produced another stud in Brian Cushing, 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year.

After posting his most productive season as a pro in 2009 and leading the league in receiving yards for a second consecutive season, Andre Johnson extended his contract through 2016 with the Texans on Thursday.

Houston seems to be making all the right moves and has developed a core group of players that finally seem dedicated to winning.

With defensive stars like Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, and DeMeco Ryans, the front seven in Houston is as good as any in the NFL.

Schaub and Johnson will continue to improve their chemistry together, and the return of tight end Owen Daniels from injury will only help the Texans already feared passing attack.

Although the Texans may once again be in the shadows of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, look for this blossoming group to surprise this 2010-11 NFL betting season, as they will be eager to reach the franchise’s first playoff birth this year.

The Houston Texans are +120 to make the NFL betting playoffs this season. Bet on them here!