Bold predictions for the Houston Texans in the 2023 season
The Houston Texans are a team trending in the right direction, and they could be a surprise team that shocks some in the 2023 season. I feel similarly about the Carolina Panthers. The Texans are a team that looked lost over the last couple of seasons, but I think they’re in a great position now to make some noise in 2023.
They aren’t making the playoffs obviously and that’s not at all what I’m saying, but I think this is a team, led by new head coach DeMeco Ryans, that can easily shed the “bottom of the barrel” team label.
In fact, I’ve seen many 2024 mock drafts having the Texans finish with one of the worst records in football (the Arizona Cardinals own their ’24 first round pick), and I just don’t see Houston being as bad as some think.
So, let’s make a few bold predictions for this team heading into the 2023 season.
Bold predictions for the Houston Texans in the 2023 season
CJ Stroud wins starting job and throws for 25 touchdowns
DeMeco Ryans is a Kyle Shanahan disciple, and one thing that most of us know about the Shanahan tree and what he brings is that the offenses he and his coaching mentees run are usually very QB friendly.
I see no reason why Stroud, who is an incredibly accurate and tempo passer, can’t flourish in year one playing in this type of offense. I think the Texans‘ offense is pretty underrated, honestly. I like their weapons and thing their offensive line is better than others think.
This could be a year one success story for the offense.
Texans finish second in the AFC South
This one might not be a bold prediction, but considering I’ve seen some pretty bad record predictions for the 2023 Houston Texans, I think this could be very bold.
I’m not huge on what the Titans have done, and I trust what Houston has built more than the Colts, who have been stuck in this weird middle ground between trying to contend and rebuilding for years.
I also trust the coaching staff more in Houston to help this team win a few more games than normal. Between a defense that’ll take a huge step forward and an offense that I’m rather high on, this is a 7-8 win team, easily.
Dameon Pierce finishes top 5 in rushing in 2023
I’m very confident in this prediction. Dameon Pierce was great as a rookie in 2022. He rushed for 939 yards in 220 carries and also added 165 yards on 30 receptions. He did this all in 13 games, so he would have been on pace for over 1,200 rushing yards had he played all 17 contests.
One thing that I’m also confident in is the Houston Texans running the absolute snot out of the ball. They have a young QB, a young team and are still in a rebuild, so establishing a strong run game is one of the best things a team can do for their young QB.
Look for Pierce to become a staple in the offense and breakout for over 1,200 yards in 2023.