Houston Texans: Predicting Texans starting offense for 2022 Week 1

Much more depth at the skill positions has the Houston Texans ready for success in 2022

The only skill player who was worth a threat to defenses last year was Brandin Cooks. Aside from the sporadic breakout games of Danny Amendola, this offense rode the arm of Mills last year.

No help from the rushing game was present, and the 32nd ranking in rushing yards tells you everything you need to know about that. However, new faces look to spark an offense that’s just waiting to go out and excel.

Who are the skill position starters?

WR: Brandin Cooks
WR: John Metchie (when healthy otherwise, Chris Conley to start until replaced)
WR: Nico Collins
TE: Brevin Jordan
RB: Dameon Pierce
FB: Andy Janovich

Cooks is a lock, so that doesn’t need any further explanation. I think Metchie and Collins get in the starting lineup due to their athleticism and skillset. But, of course, Metchie needs to recover from his injury sustained in the SEC Championship game and may not be ready for Week 1.

Metchie should start the moment he is healthy as he can be a game-changer, and given how successful some rookie wide receivers have been recently, it’s not something Pep Hamilton can go without for an extended amount of time.

Jordan is the de facto TE1 until further notice and needs more targets. He was a bit disappointing last year, but rookies are rookies.

Pierce is your starting running back, just over Marlon Mack. I think having Pierce on the field brings the energy that Houston needs to start the game.

That will set the tone, making Mack’s speed a nice touch to Pierce’s hard-nosed running style. Janovich will open up holes and make this rushing offense much better than it was a year ago.