NFL reporter says 'wins will be tougher to come by' for Texans in 2024

The Houston Texans look far better on paper than they were a year ago at this time. After putting together an unexpectedly strong 2023 season, they have followed it up with a very aggressive 2024 offseason. Now Houston looks like one of the toughest teams in the AFC as the season approaches.

However, the Texans had some advantages last year that they will not this time around. For one thing, they won't be taking anybody by surprise after winning 10 games last season. They'll also be facing a tougher schedule after winning their division. NFL analyst Ben Arthur at Fox Sports makes the case that wins will be tougher to come by:

"Opposing teams now have a full year's worth of tape on Stroud, who in 2023 had arguably the best rookie quarterback season in NFL history. If they can't stop him, they'll at least be more equipped to slow him down. Houston will also have a first-place schedule in 2024 — including matchups with the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens in a brutal 10-day span — meaning wins will be tougher to come by."

Arthur makes some strong points here, especially about their schedule. While the 49ers appear to have a clear path to the Super Bowl in the NFC, in the AFC it's another story and teams at the top may be in for a knife fight with several serious contenders in the mix.

On the other hand, the Texans know all of this and the best way to respond is simply get better. Coaching-wise they should be able to stay ahead of the game with the highly promising DeMeco Ryans calling the shots. Personnel-wise the roster is much stronger at wide receiver and along the defensive line than last season.

The big x-factor here will be how much C.J. Stroud improves compared to last year. While he looked incredibly polished for a rookie, teams have a much better idea what to expect now and will be looking to trip him up in new ways. If Stroud can adjust accordingly, Houston should at least stay competitive with other conference heavyweights.