Sports Illustrated's King: Texans to make playoffs

The Houston Texans will not only make the playoffs this season, but they'll win the AFC South over the Indianapolis Colts, according to preseason predictions made by Sports Illustrated's Peter King.

King, SI's lead National Football League reporter, said the Texans and Colts will finish with 10-6 records, but Houston will win the division tie-breaker. Houston, however, will lose a home playoff game to the Colts in the opening round, according to King.

The Texans, who have never qualified for the playoffs in their first six seasons of existence, will need to stay healthy to reach King's prediction. Injuries to quarterback Matt Schaub and receiver Andre Johnson have slowed what could be a high-powered offense in recent seasons. Should they stay healthy and if running back Steve Slaton matches the potential he showed as a rookie last season, then King's prediction shouldn't seem too far-fetched.

As for the Dallas Cowboys, don't look for them to make the playoffs. King says Southeast Texas native Wade Phillips will coach the Cowboys to a 10-6 record, but that won't be good enough to make the playoffs. King has the Giants winning the NFC East with a 12-4 record, and the Cowboys losing tie-breakers to the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers for the last two playoff berths.

We all know King's love for Brett Favre, so his pick for the Vikings to make the playoffs should be no surprise. Keep in mind, however, that Minnesota also has perhaps the most dynamic running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. You Texans fans saw Peterson break free for a long run in the third preseason game Monday night.

In the end, King says the New England Patriots will beat the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl.