Why Houston Texans Are Poised for Another Big Season After 2023 Breakout

There’s no denying the previous campaign was an important one for the Houston Texans, especially after CJ Stroud’s impressive run as a rookie. Turns out, there’s a good chance the team can continue their hot streak for the 2024-25 season.

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the Texans find themselves in a much-improved position compared to last year. After a surprising 10-7 record and a playoff appearance, the Texans have garnered significant attention in power rankings across various platforms.

Entering the new season, the Texans are ranked as high as fourth by Bleacher Report, reflecting the excitement surrounding their roster. The addition of key veterans like running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The continued development of the team’s promising quarterback has fueled this optimism. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, is expected to take on a leadership role, enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities.

Houston Texans Projected To Have A Big Season After 2023 Breakout

Similar to last season, the Texans are projected to perform well and end up with 10.4 wins. This can be seen in an analysis done by Cynthia Frelund for the league’s official website.

• Ceiling: 12.6

• Floor: 8.8

• FanDuel over/under: 9.5

C.J. Stroud generated +35.3 passing EPA in 2023, the seventh-most in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. That is the third-most for any rookie QB since NGS started tracking data in 2016. Only Dak Prescott’s +127.5 in 2016 and Justin Herbert’s +84.4 in 2020 were higher. My model forecasts a more efficient Texans run game this season, which helps insulate their win-total floor, thanks to increased ball-control potential.

However, the Texans are also facing heightened expectations and tougher competition this year. Analysts point out that last season’s success came against a relatively easier schedule, and with a more challenging slate ahead, the team must elevate its performance to maintain its standing. Some experts caution that while the Texans have the talent to compete, they may not be ready for a deep playoff run just yet.

Overall, the Texans are seen as a playoff contender, with rankings generally placing them between sixth and ninth. This shift in perception marks a significant turnaround for a franchise that has struggled in recent years. As they prepare for their season opener, the focus will be on how well they can adapt to new challenges and capitalize on their potential as one of the league’s rising teams.

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