NFL power rankings: Texans billed as viable threat in AFC past 2024

The Texans are expected to be among the league’s top rosters in 2024. Most would consider anything less than a playoff berth “underachieving” after last season’s success behind rookie quarterback and rising star C.J. Stroud.

But most fans are always trying to look ahead. How good will Houston be once Stroud comes into his own? As a rookie, he nearly broke every rookie record in league history while still learning the ropes. Imagine if he grows into an MVP-caliber passer yearly.

ESPN recently released its 2024 NFL Future Power Rankings, breaking down the expectations for all 32 teams over the next three seasons. Multiple factors played into the conversation, including quarterback, non-QB roster makeup, front office and coaching staff.

For the Texans, ESPN has them power ranked at No. 6 overall with a score of 88.5. What might be more impressive is Houston ranks fifth in the overall roster (88.7), fifth in coaching (92.3), seventh in coaching (90.7), and 10th in front office management (83.0).

It’s a night-and-day difference from three years ago. Houston pushed its way to a combined 11-38-1 record and never felt as if there was a direction between one-and-done head coaches.

Now, the Texans have a foundation. Stroud, Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil should be only building off their AFC South division title win moving past 2024. Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. should be the top 10 talents at their respective positions by 2027.

ESPN also pointed to Houston’s “aggressive” offseason as part of the rising hype surrounding the franchise’s future. These moves included the additions of Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, who was called a “reason for hope” in the analysis, along with Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter on the opposing side.

Not all was positive, however. ESPN criticized Houston’s rushing attack, putting it in the “reason for concern” category. The Texans ranked in the bottom five league-wide in yards per carry last year and rushing touchdowns, though they are trying to better their production by adding Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from the Bengals this offseason.

Listed ahead of Houston included the Kansas City Chiefs (95.3), Baltimore Ravens (91.6), Buffalo Bills (89.5), Detroit Lions (88.9) and Philadelphia Eagles (88.8). Kansas City, fresh off back-to-back Super Bowl titles, ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in every category.

The Texans kick off the new season on Sept. 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.