The Houston Texans and Chicago Bears are some of the most hyped new-blood teams heading into 2024. The jury is still out on the Bears, and the Texans might shockingly leave fans wanting more.
Here’s a look at three bold predictions for the prodigal challenger to Patrick Mahomes in the AFC.
1. C.J. Stroud experiences sophomore slump
C.J. Stroud was a revelation in his rookie season. With 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, the quarterback beat the brakes off of the vast majority of rookie outings. However, in cases when rookies explode in their first year, a slump often follows. The last sensation on Stroud’s level was arguably Robert Griffin III, who peaked as a rookie.
This isn’t a prediction that Stroud has already seen the height of his career. Rather, it merely means he’s in for a rude awakening this year.
With teams now able to spend the offseason studying Stroud, they can identify the weaknesses of his game. As such, they can make a game plan to make him play left-handed.
If Stroud is really the challenger to Mahomes, he will be able to pivot with ease. However, if he fits into a lesser tier, he will take a step back. Mathematically speaking, the odds are against him.
2. Stefon Diggs underdelivers
Stefon Diggs credited by many for serving as the final piece to the Josh Allen puzzle. While that is another debate for another day, the former Buffalo Bills receiver is on a decline today. According to Pro Football Reference, Diggs lost about 300 yards between 2022 and 2023.
Beyond that, Diggs has notoriously fallen off in the second half of the last two seasons. Diggs failed to net one 100-yard game after Week 6 last season. In 2022, he had one game of 100 yards or better between his 10th game of the season and 16th game of the year.
Texans fans are set up for another disappointing large chunk of 2024 from Diggs.
3. Houston Texans lose in Wild Card Round
If Stroud slips and Diggs takes a step back, the net result is a weaker team output in 2024. This will materialize with a Wild Card Round loss.
Houston won its Wild Card Round game last year, but will lose it in 2024. Of course, the Texans also likely won’t have the benefit of facing Joe Flacco in what was potentially his final playoff performance.
As a result of this, fans will fail to see the Texans take on the Chiefs. The playoff gods don’t line up and fans will spend another off-season debating if Stroud can defeat Mahomes in the biggest of spots.
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