The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and two teams poised to make a significant impact next season are the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
With the Kansas City Chiefs currently reigning supreme, these two squads have the best opportunity to challenge their dominance as both teams boast young quarterbacks with immense potential, among others.
Let's take a closer look at each team's situation and the prospects of them dethroning the reigning champions.
Thomas Valentine, a freelance NFL writer, also contributes by identifying the "secret superstar" in both contenders.
Green Bay Packers: A Tale of Two Halves
While Aaron Jones' future with the Packers is uncertain due to his high cap hit of $17.5 million, the focus remains on Jordan Love.
Jordan Alexander Love showed promise in his rookie season, but the Packers' defense left much to be desired.
As he enters his third season, the pressure is on Jordan Love to prove that he's capable of leading this team to success.
If Matt LaFleur and the Packers can bolster their defense, Love may have a legitimate shot at leading his team to the Super Bowl.
The Packers' young receiving room exceeded all expectations in 2023 alongside Jordan Love, and Wicks’ involvement in the offense was a nice surprise. The rookie fifth-round pick hit the ground running and never looked back, catching 39 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns, earning a 77.8 PFF grade — 26th among all receivers in the NFL.
Thomas Valentine
The Packers' defense struggled throughout the 2023 season, but Matt LaFleur and the front office are working on solutions.
With Jeff Hafley taking the reins as defensive coordinator and a solid offseason in the books, the Packers could see a significant improvement in their defense.
With an improved defense and a solid offense around him, Love may be ready to step up and make a name for himself.
And the team's "secret superstar"? Dontayvion Wicks.
Wicks was one of the best yards-after-catch receivers in the NFL, showing his real ability as a playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Houston Texans: A Silver Lining
Despite their lackluster performance in the 2023 season, the Texans have a few things going for them moving forward.
With CJ Stroud's situation still uncertain, the Texans will likely look towards their choice of quarterbacks to lead the offense in 2024.
Moreover, Demeco Ryans' impact on their defense was palpable last season; and adding a top-tier wide receiver could give Davis Mills or Derek Stingley Jr. the boost they need to excel.
These two young guns represent the best chance for the Texans to challenge the Chiefs and other top teams in the NFL.
Davis Mills showed promise in his rookie season and could be a dark horse candidate for Super Bowl MVP next year.
Alternatively, Derek Stingley Jr., who had an impressive rookie campaign despite missing multiple games, could take the reins as the starter.
Demeco Ryans took the Texans' defense from one of the worst in the league to a top-10 unit in just one season; and it is owed in large part to their "secret superstar", Blake Cashman.
Blake Cashman has come to life in his second season with the Texans, becoming a figurehead of DeMeco Ryans's defense and starting 13-of-14 games this season. The linebacker has been playing like a bat out of hell, earning an 83.7 PFF grade in 2023, the fifth-highest among all linebackers.
Thomas Valentine
With solid offensive additions this offseason, the Texans could make a significant leap forward next year.
With continued improvement and the right support, both Mills and Stingley Jr. have the potential to lead the Texans to Super Bowl glory.
Race to Super Bowl: Packers vs. Texans
The Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans are two teams on the rise, with young quarterbacks looking to prove themselves against the reigning champions.
As the 2024 season approaches, the race for the Super Bowl will be more exciting than ever before.
Who will emerge victorious: Jordan Love and the Packers, or Davis Mills or Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans?
Only time will tell as these teams prepare for what is bound to be yet another unforgettable season.
