The Kansas City Chiefs have been the team to beat in the NFL, but a new challenger has emerged to threaten their dominance. The Houston Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and bolstered by offseason additions Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon, are poised to make a run in the AFC.
According to former NFL receiver Greg Jennings, the Texans are a “sleeping giant” in the conference and are the biggest threat to the Chiefs for the 2024 season.
“I’m going with the Houston Texans…You think they’re not going to improve with the guy leading this team, C.J. Stroud, doing what he did last year.”
Despite low expectations in 2023, the Texans won the AFC South with a 10-7 record and are primed for even greater success this season.
Stroud, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, will have a wealth of talent at his disposal, including Diggs, 1,000-yard receiver Nico Collins, promising young receiver Tank Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz, and veteran receiver Robert Woods. The addition of Diggs and Mixon has given the Texans the elite firepower to compete with the Chiefs.
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, brings a level of consistency and production to the Texans’ receiving corps, while Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, adds a dynamic element to the offense. With these additions, the Texans have assembled a roster that can match up with the Chiefs’ explosive offense.
Under the guidance of head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans are building a team that can challenge Kansas City. Ryans, a former NFL linebacker, has brought a defensive-minded approach to the team, and his emphasis on discipline and fundamentals has paid off. The Texans’ defense, which ranked 10th in the NFL last season, is poised to be even stronger this year.
The Texans’ success will hinge on Stroud’s ability to take the next step in his development. After a promising rookie season, Stroud is expected to make significant strides in his second year. With the addition of Diggs and Mixon, Stroud will have the weapons he needs to make a deep playoff run.
The AFC has been the Chiefs’ playground for several years, but the Texans are poised to change that narrative. It has been a long time since Houston was a legitimate contender, but that time has come.
The Texans’ emergence as top contenders is a testament to the parity in the NFL. Teams can rise and fall quickly, and the Texans’ rapid ascent is a reminder that no team is ever fully down and out. The Chiefs will need to be on their toes if they want to maintain their AFC dominance, as the Texans are hungry and ready to take the throne.
The stage is set for an epic showdown in the AFC, with the Texans and Kansas City Chiefs poised to clash in a major battle. Will the Texans finally unseat the Chiefs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the AFC has gotten a whole lot more interesting.
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