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Suit up! Football is back, and here are the winners
Commentary: It’s the most wonderful time of the year. (You sang that, didn’t you?). No, it’s not Christmastime yet; it’s football season! Time for men in tights and jock straps to slap each other on the butt on the gridiron instead of at the Ripcord. I would have said the Eagle, but well, you know.
Before we get to our annual NFL predictions, let’s take a look at the local college scene. Houston is the home to four college football teams: the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and Houston Christian University.
The University of Houston Cougars hope to improve on last season’s 4-8 record. Don’t hold your breath. The Coogs are still adjusting to life in the Big XII. They take on cross-town rival Rice on September 6 at Rice Stadium.
Speaking of Rice, over on South Main, Rice University finally had enough of Mike Bloomgren and fired him before the 2024 season even ended. He had compiled a 24-52 mark with the Owls in almost seven seasons. New coach Scott Abell was brought in from Davidson University (Davidson, North Carolina), where he had led the Wildcats to a 47-28 record. Look for a significant improvement over 2024.
Texas Southern should improve on last year’s 5-6 mark, and Houston Christian, 5-7 in 2024, should be better as well.
Texas’ other NFL team has a new coach this year but don’t look for much improvement; after all, they still have the same owner. Cowboys’ fans are beginning to know how Houston let the Oilers leave town — it’s like having a team owner more despised than your thin best friend who pigs out on a big juicy burger while you nibble on a leaf of lettuce.
The Texans will be seeking their third straight division title and ninth overall. By no coincidence, head coach DeMeco Ryans, 22-16, and starting quarterback C.J. Stroud are beginning their third season with the team. Stroud hopes to regain his rookie year form where he set the league record for the most pass attempts without an interception to start a career. Running back Joe Mixon will pound the line and gain over 1,000 yards rushing.
The team’s defense should be a top tier outfit and may improve on last year’s fourth place finish among interceptions or, in gay speak, cockblocking.
The much-maligned offensive line will be much improved, giving the QB enough protection so he doesn’t spend as much time on his back as a drunk and horny queen at 2 a.m.
Will that be enough to get the Texans past the second round of the play-offs for the first time in franchise history? Maybe.
Here are the highly partisan, slightly biased predictions for the 2025 NFL season.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 11-6
New England Patriots 10-7
Miami Dolphins 8-9
New York Jets 7-10
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 11-6
Cincinnati Bengals 10-7
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-8
Cleveland Browns 5-12
AFC South
Houston Texans 11-6
Jacksonville Jaguars 9-8
Indianapolis Colts 6-11
Tennessee Titans 5-12
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs 10-7
Los Angeles Chargers 10-7
Denver Broncos 9-8
Las Vegas Raiders 8-9
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles 11-6
Washington Commanders 9-8
Dallas Cowboys 8-9
New York Giants 7-10
NFC North
Green Bay Packers 11-6
Detroit Lions 10-7
Minnesota Vikings 9-8
Chicago Bears 7-10
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons 10-7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-8
Carolina Panthers 7-10
New Orleans Saints 4-13
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers 11-6
Los Angeles Rams 11-6
Arizona Cardinals 8-9
Seattle Seahawks 7-10
AFC Championship
Buffalo over Houston 31-27
NFC Championship
Philadelphia over Green Bay 28-17
Super Bowl
Philadelphia over Buffalo 38-24
The Texans are not quite there but will reach the AFC Championship game. The Eagles will repeat as Super Bowl champions!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Montrose Star. Johnny Trlica is the editor of Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page and has been published in several newspapers and magazines. He grew up in Rosenberg, Texas, lived for over 30 years in the Montrose and now resides in Galveston, Texas. He may be contacted at HRHeditor@gmail.com.
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