The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Texans went from worst to first in stunning fashion in 2023. After being at the bottom of the league and earning the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, the Texans used the off-season to re-tool. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud led the way as the Texans won 10 games for new Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and earned a playoff spot. The Texans won the Wild Card round but fell short against the Ravens in the Divisional Round. Now, after adding yet more weapons this off-season, the team is ready to soar again. Let’s look at the Texans.

Off-Season Changes

The Texans saw some players head out after a magical 2023. Running back Devin Singletary moved on to the Giants, while right tackle George Fant headed to the Seattle Seahawks. But the Texans were buyers again this off-season, bringing in plenty of talent. On defense, the team added linebacker Danielle Hunter, defensive end Mario Edwards, and cornerback Jeff Okudah, among others. In the backfield, the Texans made a big move to bring in former Bengals’ back Joe Mixon. In seven seasons Mixon has run for 6,412 yards and 49 touchdowns. He’s a strong franchise back added to a good, young offense.

Elsewhere, the Texans beefed up the pass offense. The team retained tight end Dalton Schultz, who finished as TE10 in 2023, and added another weapon at receiver in Stefon Diggs. Diggs, who has played with the Vikings and Bills, has been a strong performer throughout his career. Diggs has 810 receptions for 9,995 yards and 67 touchdowns. He forms a formidable trio with Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

In the draft, the Texans focused on building up needs. Defensively they grabbed Kamari Lassiter, a corner, in the Second Round and grabbed safety Calen Bullock in the Third Round. With a second pick in the Second Round, the Texans grabbed a tackle in Blake Fisher to boost the line. In the Fourth Round, they snagged tight end Cade Stover to add to their depth.

Fantasy Prospects

Stroud was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, finishing as QB11. I like him to remain a QB1 in 2024, maybe even moving into the Top 5. In the backfield, Mixon was RB6 for the Bengals last season. He’s a weapon on the ground and in the air. I like him to be productive for the Texans and finish in the RB10-15 range.

Among receivers, the Texans are loaded. Dell was strong as a rookie, finishing as WR39 despite missing the final five games with a broken leg. Diggs was WR9 in Buffalo while Collins finished as WR12. So, how high can they go? I think the trio together with Schultz will all cap the ceiling for everyone. Still, I like Collins in the WR2 range with both Diggs and Dell in the WR3 range. I like Schutz in the TE10-15 range too. All will be productive, and all will be worth rostering and starting in re-draft and dynasty.

Prediction

The Texans were a fun surprise in 2023, but they won’t sneak up on anyone this year. Some young teams can regress the year after breaking out, but I like the off-season for the Texans. I think they’ll buck a potential sophomore slump for Stroud and Ryans and be a strong competitor again. I like the Texans to win the AFC South and make a run in the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.