Texans Eyeing More Than Just The Playoffs In 2024

High Expectations In Houston

The Houston Texans were a huge surprise in 2023, defying their very low expectations by capturing a playoff berth. Almost 100% of that can be attributed to the success of rookie QB C.J. Stroud, who immediately set the league on fire and was one of the best signal callers in the NFL in his first year. Now, expectations have flown through the roof as compared to last year.

Some believe that the "sophomore slump" is very much in play for Stroud, as it has been for numerous quarterbacks before him, but don't tell that to him. In fact, he believes that the Texans offense is ready to explode in 2024 with their star personnel.

"It's a five-headed monster," Stroud said recently, per NFL.com. "It's definitely super dope to have just a bunch of options."

The "monsters" in question refer to WR's Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and the newly acquired Stefon Diggs from Buffalo, in addition to TE Dalton Schultz and free agent RB signing Joe Mixon. There is no question that Houston has every intention to contend in the AFC this season, and they solidified that by adding DE Danielle Hunter as well.

Easier Said Than Done

While the talent is certainly there, this is the NFL, and we know how difficult it is to meet expectations in this league. Stroud understands this and knows that it isn't going to be easy to repeat the success they had last year.

"It's not going to be easy," Stroud added. "It's going to be harder. We have a target on our back this year. That's how you should want it and that's what I'm used to playing at Ohio State. I'm really honored and blessed to have the teammates that I do to want that challenge and for guys to want to come and play here. This Texas team isn't for everybody. It's hard here and we're blessed enough to play a game that we've been playing since we were kids. I definitely do think that all the expectations, we just work, and everything will take care of itself. The story is already written."

Futures Odds

Right now, the Texans are 16/1 to win the Super Bowl, which is a little bit too low if you ask me. While I would expect Houston to be a good team, I am not so sure they are going to light the league on fire as many expect. Now that teams have plenty of tape on Stroud, I expect them to put it to good use and find a weakness in his game to exploit. Even if he has a ton of success again, I think Year 2 is too early for a championship.

They are -190 to make the playoffs, which I would certainly not be laying on a future bet. The Texans are 8.5/1 to win the AFC and +105 to win the AFC South Division. If anything, I would bet them to win the AFC South more than anything else, or to miss the playoffs. I actually think the Colts could be their biggest threat in the division, and don't sleep on the Titans.