Even we were surprised with glowing, albeit divergent Texans grades post free agency
WOW FACTOR
21 March
WOW FACTOR
With most of the action winding down from NFL free agency, we're starting to see outlets publish their post-free agency power rankings.
The Athletic is very high on the Houston Texans this year, ranking them fourth behind the Chiefs, 49ers, and Lions. They love the additions the Texans have made, but others aren't so optimistic about Houston's outlook in 2024.
FS1's Colin Cowherd revealed his post-free agency Herd's Hierarchy this week, and he doesn't even have the Texans cracking the Top 10. What's even more odd is he has zero teams from the AFC South making the list.
And yet he has 3 teams from the NFC North in the Top 10 including the Minnesota Vikings.
Currently, Sam Darnold is their quarterback, and their best pass rusher Danielle Hunter is now playing for the Texans.
It appears the Vikings plan is to land one of the top QBs in the draft, but they will have to trade up to do so. They could end up missing out on one of the elite QBs and be stuck with Darnold taking snaps. Why not wait until after the draft to include the Vikings on this list?
Plus, he points out how much he likes Minnesota's receivers and Pro Bowl tight end TJ Hockenson. However, he fails to mention Hockenson just had surgery to repair his ACL at the end of January. Reports out of Minnesota indicate Hockenson is more likely to be placed on the PUP list than being available Week 1. Which means he wouldn't be ready to play until Week 5.
We understand Colin's job is to get people talking, and contrarian view points are a good way to do that. But the Vikings over the Texans is going a bit too far in our opinion.
Be sure to watch the video below as we react to Cowherd's rankings, discuss how they compare to The Athletic's, and much more!
C.J. Stroud threw three touchdown passes and the Houston Texans spoiled the first start of rookie New England quarterback Drake Maye, breezing past the Patriots 41-21 on Sunday.
Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and caught a TD pass from Stroud. Stefon Diggs had six catches for 77 yards and a score for the AFC South-leading Texans (5-1), and Tank Dell had seven receptions for 57 yards and a TD.
Dameon Pierce ripped off a 54-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and finished with 76 yards on eight carries. Will Anderson Jr. recorded three sacks for Houston, which has won three straight.
The Patriots (1-5) got a boost from Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Taking over for veteran Jacoby Brissett, he finished 20 of 33 for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 38 yards but was intercepted twice and sacked four times, one resulting in a lost fumble.
Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts to the big win live on YouTube!