Houston Texans 2023-24 Season Guidebook

While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months.  However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year.

Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here.
 
In today's article, I'll be discussing the Houston Texans.

I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.  To check out an article for another team, click the link below:
https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl

2022 Season Recap

The Texans had yet another season to forget in 2022, as they haven’t topped four wins in the last three seasons.  They dropped to 4th in the AFC South after spending the previous years in 3rd thanks to the futility of the Jaguars.  They obviously missed the postseason for the third year in a row as well.
 
Houston was next to last in points scored per game and 3rd to last in points allowed.  They were the 2ndworst rushing offense and the worst rushing defense in the entire NFL.  They were actually decent in pass yards allowed, but I’m assuming that’s because most teams built up leads and milked the clock to leave with comfortable wins.  The good news is that there’s really nowhere to go but up for the Texans.
 
Significant Roster Moves

I doubt Texans fans became too attached to any of the players on the right side of this list, as there are few fond memories associated with any of them.  But there is reason to have some excitement due to some of the guys on the left side.  Dalton Schultz, Devin Singletary, and Robert Woods could add a spark on the offensive side of the ball, while Shaq Mason will add some additional protection on the offensive line.  
 
Shaquill Griffin and Jimmie Ward will add strength to the secondary and Sheldon Rankins will hopefully help stuff the run at defensive tackle.  Denzel Perryman will be the quarterback of the defense as middle linebacker this season.
 
2023 Draft Class

Houston made a massive splash in the 2023 draft by drafting QB CJ Stround and DE Will Anderson back-to-back with the 2nd and 3rd overall picks.  Juice Scruggs will start at center and Tank Dell has already impressed in the preseason.  It’s hard to say how good the back half of this class will be, but the Texans may have hit a grand slam with their first four selections.  Of course, a lot will depend on how good CJ Stroud can become.
 
Season Schedule

The Texans will take on the AFC North and the NFC South in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games.  Their other three opponents are the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets.  With an opponent prior season win percentage of .431, Houston has the 3rd easiest schedule in the NFL.

Houston is one of four teams with no primetime games on the schedule.
 
Depth Charts

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

The Texans return only 10 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year, which is one of the lowest totals of any team across the league.  However, a sort of reset could be good for a team like the Texans, who have already decided to move forward with CJ Stroud as their starter.  He’s far from set up for success within this Houston franchise, but he has the talent to potentially be a franchise guy.  It’ll definitely be interesting to watch this young team in 2023.
 
Coaching Staff

DeMeco Ryans was hired in January 2023 to be the sixth head coach of the Houston Texans after two years as Defensive Coordinator for the 49ers.  He retained one coordinator from Lovie Smith’s 2022 staff: Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross (3rd season).  Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke enter their first seasons in Houston.
 
Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Houston at 6.5 games.  As of right now, the Texans are the least likely team to win both the AFC South and the AFC as a whole.  At +20000 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are 31st among all teams in the league.
 
Bucket Squad Predictions

Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Texans to finish 4-13 in 2023 for last place in both the division and conference.  They should have some  positive flashes under CJ Stroud but I don’t think he’ll be successful right away in his career.

What do you think?  Will Houston be better or worse than I'm projecting?  What offseason moves made by the Texans surprised you the most?  Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them.

Written by Nick Swatson
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