Are Texans Biggest Threat to Chiefs in AFC?

According to one analyst, the Houston Texans might be the biggest threat to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.

The Houston Texans are coming off an amazing bounce-back season, and look to have one of the more promising futures in the NFL going forward. 

As a result, First Things First analyst Nick Wright believes there are some interesting similarities between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. 

However, Wright doesn't view the Bengals themselves as the primary threat in 2024; rather, it's the team capable of emulating their blueprint.

This entails maintaining consistency in coaching and coordinator positions, possessing a superstar quarterback, drafting effectively, and leveraging free agency to strengthen the roster while the quarterback remains on a favorable contract. 

And according to Wright, the Texans fit this profile.

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“They can do win-now stuff that doesn’t hurt them long-term because C.J.’s so cheap over the next three years,” Wright said. “They already showed they’re a legitimate playoff team.”

In the Bengals' second year with Joe Burrow, the team received support from strong draft picks like Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase. With Tank Dell returning and Bobby Slowik staying put, alongside the excellence of Demeco Ryans as the head coach, the Texans boast a solid foundation. 

They've also secured key positions with reliable left and right tackles. By investing in their defense, mirroring the Bengals' approach, the Texans could potentially make significant progress.

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Poised as a top contender for the Super Bowl in 2024, the Texans emerged strong from last year's draft with the Offensive Rookie of the Year in Stroud and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. 

With these foundational players secured and a division title, plus playoff success, already achieved, Houston's trajectory for the upcoming season is captivating.

Benefiting from Stroud's cost-effective contract for the next three years, the Texans have ample room to make strategic moves without jeopardizing their future prospects. Having proven themselves as genuine playoff contenders, their decisions this offseason appear prudent and forward-thinking.