‘I told you this the entire time’ insists Ryan Clark as First Take star doubles down on prediction for 2024 NFL season

NFL analyst Ryan Clark is adamant the Houston Texans are going to the AFC Championship game.

The former safety joined EPSN SportsCenter to make three bold predictions for the new season.

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Houston was beaten 34-10 by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round last season.

Clark, 44, thinks they are going at least one better this time.

“The Houston Texans, they are going to the AFC Championship. I’ve told you guys this the entire time,” he said.

“And I believe that they have the opportunity to win it. When you look at this team and the way they set themselves up throughout the offseason, I believe that Nick Caserio the GM, he believes this as well.

“You don’t acquire Stefon Diggs if you don’t, you don’t add these pieces defensively.

“So I expect to see this team playing in the last Sunday of the Conference Championships.”

C.J. Stroud’s sensational rookie season was a huge factor in the Texans’ rise.

And Clark thinks he knows which of the 2024 draft class can emulate him – fellow No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.

“Jayden Daniels is going to have that C.J. Stroud type of year,” he added.

“He’s going to be that guy that we’re talking about going into next year with a chance to launch himself into the upper echelons of quarterbacks.

“I’ve just left Commanders camp and everyone is raving about the person he is. And we’ve already seen the player.”

Finally, Clark has his say on the Pittsburgh Steelers ‘ quarterback battle.

Russell Wilson is expected to begin the season as the starter.

However, Clark believes Justin Fields will eventually surpass him on the depth chart and take the Steelers to the postseason.

NFL important dates

August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

“Justin Fields is going to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs,” he declared.

“That’s right. That means first, he’s going to have to become the starter, which he is.

“And then he’s going to have to get into the playoffs. Which he is.

“Mike T always fields a competent team, a competitive team.

“Now he’s going to have a dynamic playmaker at quarterback, and they’ll be in the playoffs.”