NFL Power Rankings: Where Did 'Biggest Surprise' Texans Finish?

The Houston Texans didn't start very high in the NFL Power Rankings but they finished near the top.

The Houston Texans started the season second to last in NFL.com's Power Rankings and the league site was preaching perspective when it came to labeling quarterback C.J. Stroud's rookie season a success or failure.

After 10 wins and a trip to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs the Texans not only surpassed expectations, Stroud's own performances have that same site sharing high praise for the future of the franchise.

Houston Texas coach DeMeco Ryans (left) shakes hands with quarterback C.J. Stroud (right) / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"The biggest surprise of the 2023 season now will enter 2024 as one of the league's darling teams, armed with a budding star at quarterback (C.J. Stroud), an emerging pass-rush force (Will Anderson Jr.) and a head coach with confidence, belief and support in spades (DeMeco Ryans)," NFL.com says." But after nailing the Stroud and Anderson picks last year (plus a few others), and with ample cash to go out and spend, it's hard not to see the light here. Houston has embarked on a new era, and it looks like a fruitful one."

With the season now over NFL.com places Houston firmly inside the top 10 at No. 7 in the final version of their power rankings.

For back-to-back seasons the NFL's Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards went to teammates with Stroud and Anderson earning the honors after receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner achieved the feat for the New York Jets last year.

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More importantly, however, the duo has helped coach Ryans set the Texans on a direct course toward the top of the league and the AFC.

To get there, they'll need to field a team that can not only repeat as AFC South Division champions but compete with the Kansas City Chiefs who have their sights set on the first Super Bowl three-peat in NFL history.