The Houston Texans enter the 2024 NFL season with high expectations after significant roster changes. However, the path to success is rarely straightforward. Here are three bold predictions for the Texans’ upcoming campaign.
Stefon Diggs, CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud Will Experience a Sophomore Slump
C.J. Stroud’s rookie season was impressive, throwing 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He exceeded expectations for a first-year quarterback. However, history suggests a potential sophomore slump. Often, after a breakout rookie year, opposing teams have an entire offseason to study film and identify weaknesses. Robert Griffin III serves as a cautionary tale of a rookie sensation who struggled to maintain his initial level of performance.
This prediction doesn’t imply Stroud’s career has peaked. It suggests he will face tougher challenges in his second year. Defenses will scheme specifically against him, forcing him to adapt and evolve. Stroud’s ability to overcome these challenges will determine his long-term success. He needs to prove he can adjust and make plays when defenses take away his primary reads. Whether he can rise to the occasion remains to be seen.
Stefon Diggs Will Underperform Expectations
Stefon Diggs, acquired to bolster the Texans’ receiving corps, might not live up to the hype. While he was a crucial piece in Buffalo, his production dipped in 2023 with a decrease of nearly 300 receiving yards compared to the previous season. Furthermore, Diggs has shown a tendency to fade in the latter half of the past two seasons, lacking consistent 100-yard performances.
This raises concerns about his ability to consistently produce at a high level for the Texans. Factors like adjusting to a new team, quarterback chemistry with Stroud, and potential defensive attention could contribute to his underperformance. The Texans are hoping Diggs can regain his previous form, but it’s a gamble that might not pay off. His performance will be crucial for the Texans’ offensive success.
Houston Texans Will Suffer an Early Playoff Exit
Considering the potential struggles of Stroud and Diggs, the Texans might find themselves with a weaker overall team performance in 2024. This could lead to an early playoff exit, specifically a loss in the Wild Card Round. While they won their Wild Card game last year, the circumstances are different this time around.
They likely won’t face a weaker opponent like Joe Flacco and the Jets. The competition will be tougher, and the Texans’ potential weaknesses could be exposed. A Wild Card loss would be a significant disappointment for a team with playoff aspirations. It would also raise questions about the team’s long-term prospects and whether they can truly contend for a Super Bowl. The pressure will be on Stroud and the entire team to prove they can perform on the biggest stage. Ultimately, the Texans’ success hinges on overcoming these predicted challenges.
