Joe Mixon and the Revamped Houston Texans Offense
The 2024 NFL season brings a fresh start for Mixon, who now finds himself as the lead running back for the Texans. After a successful stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon joins a Texans team that has undergone a significant transformation, building a formidable offense around their young quarterback. With key additions like Mixon and Stefon Diggs, along with emerging stars Nico Collins and Tank Dell, the Texans are poised to make waves in both the NFL and fantasy football. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Mixon and the Texans’ offense this season, with insights for fantasy managers and bettors alike.
Joe Mixon: A New Beginning in Houston
Mixon arrives in Houston with high expectations. After years of being a fantasy stalwart in Cincinnati, Mixon now has the opportunity to be the focal point of a Texans offense that is stacked with talent. His versatility as both a runner and a receiver makes him a valuable asset, especially in an offense that promises to be explosive.
Fantasy Strategy: Drafting Mixon as a High-End RB2
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Where to Draft: Mixon is likely to be drafted as a high-end RB2, with the potential to perform as an RB1 in Houston’s offense. He’s a strong pick in the late second or early third round, particularly in PPR leagues where his receiving ability adds extra value.
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Betting Insight: Mixon Touchdown Prop: With the Texans’ offense expected to be high-scoring, Mixon should see plenty of red-zone opportunities. Betting on Mixon to score over 10 touchdowns this season is a solid play, given his role as the primary ball carrier and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
The Texans’ Offensive Firepower: Diggs, Collins, and Dell
Houston has built a dynamic offense around their young quarterback, with the addition of Diggs and the emergence of Collins and Dell. This trio of receivers gives the Texans a well-rounded passing attack, capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches for opposing defenses.
Fantasy Strategy: Targeting Texans’ Receivers
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Stefon Diggs: Diggs is a proven WR1 and should be drafted accordingly. He’s a safe bet to be among the league leaders in targets, receptions, and touchdowns. Draft him in the late first or early second round as your top receiver.
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Nico Collins: Collins was a fantasy league winner last year and is poised for another big season. He’s a strong WR2 or WR3 option, particularly in leagues that reward big-play potential. Draft him in the middle rounds as a high-upside pick.
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Tank Dell: Dell is an intriguing late-round sleeper, especially in PPR formats. He has the potential to carve out a significant role in this offense, making him a valuable bench stash with the potential to become a weekly starter.
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Betting Insight: Texans’ Passing Yards: With the array of weapons at their disposal, betting on the Texans to surpass their projected passing yards is an attractive option. If the young quarterback continues to develop, this offense could be one of the league’s most prolific.
The Quarterback Factor: Capitalizing on a Young Star
Houston’s young quarterback has quickly proven that he can lead a high-powered offense. The Texans have done everything right by surrounding him with talent, allowing him to grow and thrive. This approach not only benefits the team but also elevates the fantasy value of everyone in this offense.
Fantasy Strategy: Drafting the QB as a High-Upside QB1
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Where to Draft: The Texans’ quarterback should be targeted as a high-upside QB1 in fantasy drafts. He’s likely to be available in the mid-to-late rounds, making him a great value pick for those who wait on drafting a quarterback.
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Betting Insight: Passing Touchdowns: Given the talent around him, betting on the quarterback to throw over 25 touchdowns this season is a solid bet. With weapons like Diggs, Collins, and Dell, he has the tools to easily surpass this mark.
Defense: The Achilles’ Heel?
While the Texans’ offense is poised to light up the scoreboard, their defense remains a concern. It’s not the worst unit in the league, but it’s certainly not at the level of their offense. This discrepancy could lead to high-scoring games, where the Texans need to rely on their offense to outscore opponents.
Fantasy Strategy: Be Cautious with Texans’ Defense
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Streaming Option: The Texans’ defense should be viewed as a streaming option rather than a weekly starter. They may have favorable matchups against weaker offenses, but overall, this unit is unlikely to be a consistent fantasy performer.
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Betting Insight: Texans’ Game Totals: Given the strength of their offense and the weaknesses on defense, betting the over on Texans’ game totals could be a profitable strategy. Expect plenty of shootouts where both teams put up big numbers.
Final Thoughts
The Texans have built an exciting and potentially explosive offense for the 2024 season, with Mixon playing a central role. For fantasy managers, Mixon is a must-target running back, while the Texans’ receiving corps offers plenty of value across the board. Their young quarterback is also primed for a breakout season, making Houston a team to watch in both fantasy football and betting markets.
While the defense may lag behind, the offensive firepower is undeniable. Whether you’re drafting for your fantasy team or placing bets on the Texans, there’s plenty of upside to capitalize on in 2024.
You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.
