2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 10-7, Loss vs. Baltimore Ravens in AFC Divisional Round (34-10)

The Houston Texans were the major surprise of the 2023 NFL season. After an 0-2 start, CJ Stroud and the offense began to put it together. The team fought back to .500 at 3-3 before winning three of the next four and six of nine to end the season. Houston entered the postseason with a division title and ran through the Cleveland Browns. Houston was knocked out by Baltimore in the divisional round and now the team has higher expectations for this year.

2024 Houston Texans Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon, TE Cade Stover (R), OT Blake Fisher (R)

Key Losses: RB Devin Singletary, OR George Fant, OT Josh Jones, C Michael Deiter

The Texans believe they found their quarterback of the future as No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud emerged quickly. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after totaling 4,108 passing yard with 23 touchdowns. Stroud’s ability to take care of the football was beyond his year. He finished with just five interceptions. This season, the Texans wanted to give him even more to work with.

Houston made a deal with the Buffalo Bills to acquire Stefon Diggs. The Texans were not a team in need of a true No. 1 wide receiver but wanted to create one of the best units in the league. This will happen as Diggs joins Nico Collins and Tank Dell, who is recovering from a broken leg. Dalton Schultz returned at tight end as well.

In free agency, Houston upgraded the running back position as well as Joe Mixon came over from Cincinnati. Mixon will run behind a much better offensive line than the one he has had in recent years. He is a more explosive option than Devin Singletary, who is now with the ew York Giants.

Along the offensive line, the Texans drafted Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher in the second round. He is expected to start at right tackle, which allows Tytus Howard to play right guard. This is to go along with one of the best left tackles in the league in Laremy Tunsil.

With Stroud leading the way, the Texans displayed an elite offensive attack last season. Now, with upgrades at multiple positions, expectations are higher than ever.

Defense

Key Additions: DE Danielle Hunter, DT Denico Autry, DT Folo Fatukasi, DE Mario Edwards, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, CB Jeff Okudah, CB CJ Henderson, S Lonnie Johnson, DT Tim Settle

Key Losses: DE Jonathan Greenard, DE Jerry Hughes, DT Sheldon Rankins, LB Denzel Perryman, S Kareem Jackson, LB Blake Cashman, DT Hassan Ridgeway

Houston was able to get to the quarterback last season with the combination of Will Anderson and Jonathan Greenard. As a rookie, Anderson looked worthy of being taken third overall the previous year. As for Greenard, he left in free agency but the Texans added Danielle Hunter. This means the defense is still strong on the edge.

The defensive line saw more changes as both Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins are gone. The team added Folo Fatukasi and Denico Autry, who totaled 12.5 sacks last season.

If there is any question mark defensively, it is at linebacker. Denzel Perryman left for Los Angeles while Blake Cashman is also gone. Houston brought in Azeez Al-Shaair to be the team’s top option in the middle of the defense. He proved to have plenty left in the tank last season in Tennessee. The Texans will also feature Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o. Neither played an extended role last season but will have to take a step up the depth chart.

Schedule

Week 1: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 5: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 6: at New England Patriots

Week 7: at Green Bay Packers

Week 8: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 9: at New York Jets – Thursday Night Football

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions – Sunday Night Football

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys – Monday Night Football

Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 13: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens – Christmas Day

Week 18: at Tennessee Titans

Record Prediction: 10-7