PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 26

As we gradually continue to make our way up through the levels of NFL ineptitude (we've climbed from "piss-poor" to "pathetic" to "there could be hope -- in a year or two" since last weekend), we're constantly reminded of the fact that, in an era in which parity supposedly has taken root, there are a lot of bad teams.

We still need to find homes for teams like the Lions, the Vikings, the Cardinals, the Jets, the Browns, and the Rams.

But we can't justify allowing the No. 26 team to climb any higher on the list.

The Houston Texans.

Bob McNair's bull-horned boys are pegged by many to be the worst team heading into the 2006 season simply because the Texans were the worst team coming out of 2005.  But despite the belief held by most preseason prognosticators that the new season is a mere continuation of the old one, the reality is that circumstances change -- sometimes dramatically -- from one year to the next.

For the Texans, the club suffered a stunning fall in 2005, at a time when some pundits were predicting that they'd continue a trend of gradual improvement (4-12, 5-11, 7-9) that would have put the team at or above .500, and possibly into the playoffs.

But instead the wheels came off, resulting in a plunge to 2-14 and the dismissal of the only coach in franchise history and the "resignation" of its only G.M.

So what makes us think that the Texans are better than six other franchises heading into 2006?  The argument begins and ends with one guy -- Gary Kubiak.

Though Mike Shanahan called the shots in Denver, Kubiak was there every step of the way.  He learned how to do it right, and we think he'll be able to translate those skills immediately and directly to the Texans.

The biggest impact will come, in our view, along the offensive line, which traditionally has been the team's biggest weakness.  By bringing the Denver zone blocking scheme (including plenty of cut blocking) with him to Houston, Kubiak will breathe new life into the rushing attack, which in turn will ignite the passing game.

And given the addition of veteran receiver Eric Moulds to a receiving corps that traditionally has featured Andre Johnson and a parade of stiffs, quarterback David Carr might finally be able to live up to the potential that made him the first overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Speaking of first overall picks in the draft, the Texans "earned" the top spot via a horrendous 2-14 regular season.  But although the Texans were presumed to be poised to pluck tailback Reggie Bush with the selection, one of the biggest surprises in draft history unfolded on the eve of the selection process when a contract was reached with defensive end Mario Williams.

The move drew sharp criticism among the local fan base, which was willing to tolerate the failure to draft local product Vince Young only if the pick was Bush.  And the outcry likely will continue, unless Williams gets three sacks per game -- or unless Reggie Bush plays like Barbara.

But the Texans also should get a pass for passing on Bush if Domanick Davis becomes a Pro Bowler (and we think he will) in Kubiak's system.  Sure, it's still possible that Bush will become the NFL's Michael Jordan (and Williams the football equivalent of Sam Bowie), but the powers-that-be in Houston were put off by his handling of the scandal that erupted in the days prior to the draft, and we tend to agree with the notion that, while Reggie says all of the right things when folks are watching, Bush very well could turn out to be a problem child behind closed doors.

Williams will be joined on the defensive side of the ball by a couple of newcomers acquired via free agency.  Defensive tackle Anthony Weaver received a five-year, $26.5 million deal (including a $12 million signing bonus) to make the move from Baltimore.  Also signed was defensive end N.D. Kalu. 

On offense, newcomers include Moulds, backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels, and former Packers coach/G.M. Mike Sherman, who'll serve as assistant head coach for offense.

Of course, none of this means that we think the Texans will challenge the Colts for the AFC South crown in 2006, but we believe that Houston will dump the Titans back into the basement and possibly threaten the Jags for second place.  In time, Kubiak might even get a chance to man the sideline across from his old boss in Denver as the two teams try to chop at the knees of as many of each other's defenders as possible.

Now, the fantasy grades:

Quarterback:  David Carr has never been much of a fantasy quarterback.  Even in his best season statistically, his 16 touchdown passes were offset by 14 picks.  So even if Kubiak helps to push him to improve, we don't expect the kind of jump that would make him a short-list starter.  We'll give him a C-, and we'd grab him at most as a late-round backup.

Running back:  Though he missed five games due to injury in 2005, Domanick Davis still averaged more than 24 touches in 2005.  He gets carries and receptions -- and there's really not anyone else to eat into his opportunities.  Assuming that he's healthy, he will have a big year.  He gets a B+.