Houston Texans

Once again, as the end of August finally nears, a sense of impending doom hangs over Houston football fans. Because no matter how futile it might seem, the Houston Texans are seemingly about to make another attempt at having a winning season.

This season is completely different, we’re told — there’s a new quarterback, there’s more experience, there’s a great new defensive lineman.

Texans fans might note that each of the last two or three seasons have begun with confident declarations that the expansion phase is over and quality football is here. Results have been a little different than the rhetoric.

Still, Las Vegas has the over/under on Texans’ wins at six-and-a-half, so there’s at least an outside shot at the team reaching .500. Of course, that was what was pretty much expected last year, too, with the arrival of a new coach and new confidence.

So maybe we’ll just wait a little bit before jumping on the bandwagon.

In the meantime, let’s greet the new season with some mental gymnastics — a crossword puzzle! Every NFL fan’s second-favorite activity!