Dynasty Nerds

● By Dwight Peebles
The Texans surprised the world, going 10-7 and winning the AFC South in rookie quarterback CJ Stroud’s first season. The offense ranked 13th in points per game behind the strong passing attack. Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 scores with only five interceptions. Nico Collins caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight scores, and Tank Dell had 709 yards with seven TDs in his shortened season. They also retained tight end Dalton Schultz, who added 59 catches for 635 yards and five TDs. Devin Singletary was the lead back and is off to the Giants. The Texans sent a seventh-round pick to the Bengals for veteran Joe Mixon. I’m not sure if that’s an upgrade, but Mixon is at least a steady, reliable back, and he will be a stable player for them. The defense was also strong, ranking 11th in points against and only allowing 17 passing TDs, the fewest in the league. In addition, the Texans added some strong pieces in free agency, signing Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Jeff Okudah. The defense could be a top-ten unit in 2024.