Houston Texans 2024 Season Preview & Record Prediction
2023 Record: 10-7 (AFC South Champions)
All the Texans’ Christmas gifts came at once last year, as the gift of C.J. Stroud landed in their laps with the second overall pick. Stroud was everything they could have hoped for and more, delivering their first division title in 4 years, storming to the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and breaking multiple records along the way. With several new signings bolstering the offensive and defensive ranks, the attention switches to more playoff success and, potentially, a Super Bowl.
Texans Offensive Outlook
CJ Stroud was the ideal catalyst for a rebuilding Texans team. A strong start to life in the NFL was taken to the next level after a record-breaking display against Tampa Bay. Stroud’s 470 yards and five touchdowns were new NFL records for a rookie, but his ice-cold dismantling of the Buccaneers in a 46-second, game-winning drive was even more impressive.
He has instantly transformed the offense, not just by dishing out jaw-dropping performances but by elevating the offense and turning several of his supporting cast into stars. After managing only 481 yards in either of his first two seasons, Nico Collins exploded to the tune of 1,297 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Stroud put Collins’ rare size and speed combination to good use, showcasing his ability as a true number-one receiver.
Aside from him, fellow rookie Tank Dell also appeared unstoppable at times. He made up for his slender frame by embarrassing veteran defensive backs with his slick footwork, getting open easily, and collecting 709 yards and seven touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury in week 12. He and Stroud displayed impressive chemistry early and often, suggesting several years of dominance are ahead.
While those two alone are enough to excite any fan base, the Texans have gone overboard in supporting their young quarterback by bringing in Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. Diggs has registered six 1,000-yard seasons in a row, giving Stroud another top-tier talent to aim at, while Mixon offers a useful upgrade over Devin Singletary in the backfield. This is what you call a loaded offense.
Texans Defensive Outlook
DeMeco Ryans will also enjoy new additions on the defensive side of the ball in 2024, headlined by the signing of Danielle Hunter, who is fresh off a career-best 16.5 sacks. Hunter is a highly talented edge defender who will be a very exciting player, unlike last year’s defensive rookie of the year, Will Anderson Junior. Houston was tied for the 13th most sacks in 2023 with 46, and Hunter’s arrival will help improve those numbers and make this an even more dominant defensive line.
Azeez Al-Shaair is the other big addition to the defense, with the linebacker reuniting with DeMeco Ryans to become the heart of the defense. Al-Shaair is a tackling machine who will help maintain a strong run defense that saw the Texans give up just 101 yards per game last year, good enough for 8th best in the league.
The defense averaged 21.1 points conceded per game in 2023, the 11th-best in the NFL. That is a significant improvement from the 24.7 points per game in 2022 that landed them 27th best. DeMeco Ryans has already made significant improvements after his one year in charge, and we can expect to see more improvements in 2024.
Key Games in 2024
- Week 1: @ Indianapolis Colts – Sunday 8th September, Lucas Oil Stadium
- Week 4: vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday 29th September, NRG Stadium
- Week 5: vs Buffalo Bills – Sunday 6th October, NRG Stadium
- Week 8: vs Indianapolis Colts – Sunday, 27th October, NRG Stadium
- Week 10: vs Detroit Lions – Sunday 10th November, NRG Stadium
- Week 11: @ Dallas Cowboys – Monday 18th November, AT&T Stadium
- Week 13: @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday 1st December, TIAA Bank Field
- Week 16: @ Kansas City Chiefs – Saturday 21st December, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
- Week 17: vs Baltimore Ravens – Wednesday 25th December, NRG Stadium
Predicted Record: 11-6 (AFC South Champions)
The momentum is with the Houston Texans, and they have capitalized by loading up the roster and going all-in for a Super Bowl charge. The Texans will repeat as the AFC South champions, but it won’t be a walk in the park. The Jaguars have just locked up Trevor Lawrence and are worth watching. Brian Thomas Junior is an electrifying talent at the wide receiver position, and a strong rookie season from him could set the Jags on a path to success. Add in the arrival of Arik Armstead on the defensive line, and there is every chance Jacksonville will put forward a strong case for the division title.
Show Your Support
Support the growth of Sports View 360’s platform by heading to Fanatics.com and purchasing officially licensed gear from the National Football League. Each purchase made through the text link below goes into the funding of the Sports View 360 brand. To proceed, click the link below and enjoy shopping at Fanatics.
NFL Fan Gear at Fanatics
