The Houston Texans have multiple impact players — both returning and new — on the roster who will help contribute to the team’s success in 2024.
But which standout will be the most impactful as Houston looks to build off its AFC South title heading into Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans?
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm examined one MVP for each NFL team heading into the 2024 season. Countless names were considered, including newcomers Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter. Emerging talents like Tank Dell and Will Anderson Jr. also could have been in the conversation after breakout rookie campaigns.
However, everything starts and ends with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud as he looks to elevate his game even further.
There are just going to be some quarterback layups, and when they’re there, I am taking them every time. I rated Stroud slightly ahead of Bryce Young prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, but even in my wildest fever dreams, I couldn’t have expected the bonanza rookie campaign C.J. put forth last season. What struck me most? His rare poise and precision — you almost never find those traits individually in a first-year quarterback, much less together in the same package.
New receiver Stefon Diggs is another viable candidate on offense, and Will Anderson Jr. also displayed the kind of talent in Year 1 that could make him a team MVP at some point. But not this year. Even if there’s a case to be made that the Texans might not meet the sky-high expectations for them this season, no way am I veering off Stroud here.
Stroud set the tone in Year 1, becoming the fifth rookie in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards. Not only did he become the youngest passer to win a playoff game, but Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing yards per game.
With Diggs and Mixon joining an offense featuring already ample star power, Stroud should see his number nearly double. He joked earlier in the offseason that Houston has “five No. 1 targets,” though that might be a reality by early December.
The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.