Houston Texans 2024 Preview

The Houston Texans are entering the 2024 season with a win total projection of 9.5, coming off an impressive 10-7 record in 2023. With a young core led by standout quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans are poised to build on their success from last year.

Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of their roster, their potential floor and ceiling, and what to expect from them this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Texans are riding the wave of a successful rebuild, with young talent stepping up across the board. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Offensive Outlook

C.J. Stroud’s Sophomore Season:
- Rookie Success: Stroud was sensational in his rookie year, throwing for over 4,000 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He demonstrated poise and maturity beyond his years, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
- Expanded Weapons: Stroud’s job will be made easier with the addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has put up six straight seasons of 1,000+ yards. Pairing Diggs with Nico Collins, who had nearly 1,300 yards last year, gives the Texans a formidable receiving duo. If Tank Dell can stay healthy, Houston’s passing game could be one of the most dangerous in the league.
Running Back Room:
- Joe Mixon’s Arrival: Joe Mixon comes over from Cincinnati to replace Devin Singletary. Mixon is a proven workhorse, having consistently produced over 1,000 rushing yards and contributing as a pass catcher with three straight seasons of 40+ catches. His addition should keep the Texans’ offense balanced.
Offensive Line:
- Anchored by Laremy Tunsil: The Texans’ offensive line struggled with injuries last year but still boasts talent, particularly in left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who remains one of the league’s best. They added rookie Blake Frazier to the mix, who might have to fight for a starting spot but adds depth to a line that needs to improve in pass protection after allowing 47 sacks last season.

Defensive Adjustments

Defensive Line Changes:
- Will Anderson’s Continued Development: Anderson, the Defensive Rookie of the Year, will be expected to take another step forward after posting seven sacks and 22 QB hits in his rookie campaign. The Texans added Danielle Hunter, coming off a 16.5-sack season, to replace Jonathan Greenard. Hunter’s presence should give Houston a formidable pass rush duo.
- Interior Line Upgrades: Sheldon Rankins and Denico Autry, both coming off productive seasons, anchor the interior of the defensive line. Autry, in particular, brings consistent pass-rushing ability with eight or more sacks in three straight seasons.
Linebacker Corps:
- Blake Cashman and Aziz Al-Shaair: Both linebackers bring over 100 tackles from last season, with Al-Shaair joining from Tennessee. The Texans will rely on these two to maintain their stout run defense, which ranked second in the league by allowing just 3.5 yards per carry.
Secondary Concerns:
- Derek Stingley Jr. and Jeff Okudah: Stingley has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have limited him to just 20 games in two seasons. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a shutdown corner. Okudah, who replaces Steven Nelson, comes with some question marks after a less-than-stellar season in Atlanta.

Season Outlook

The Texans have made significant strides in their rebuild, but their tough schedule and reliance on young players make it hard to project them as a surefire playoff team. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

Win Total Floor: 8 Wins
- Why? If Stroud hits a sophomore slump or the secondary struggles, the Texans could regress slightly. Despite that, they should still have enough talent to handle teams like the Bears, Patriots, and Colts, ensuring a respectable 8-9 finish.
Win Total Ceiling: 12 Wins
- Why? If everything clicks, including health for key players like Stingley and Anderson, the Texans could sweep their divisional opponents and pick up wins against tougher teams like the Jets and Dolphins. A 12-5 record would likely see them in the mix for the AFC South title.

Final Thoughts

The Houston Texans are a team on the rise, powered by an exciting young quarterback and a defense with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging stars. While their schedule is challenging, the Texans have the talent to compete with the best in the AFC. The key will be how well C.J. Stroud and the rest of the team handle the expectations and whether they can stay healthy throughout the season.

Key Points Recap

C.J. Stroud looks to build on a stellar rookie season, now armed with Stefon Diggs and a healthy Tank Dell.
Joe Mixon replaces Devin Singletary, providing a proven dual-threat option at running back.
The defense adds Danielle Hunter to an already strong pass rush and hopes to see continued growth from Will Anderson.
Win total projection: 8 to 12 wins, depending on how they navigate a tough schedule and whether the young secondary can hold up.

Texans fans, get ready for another exciting season—this team is poised to make noise in the AFC, and with a bit of luck, could find themselves in the playoff hunt come January!

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