The Houston Texans acquired RB Nick Chubb on June 14, 2025, pairing him with Joe Mixon and C.J. Stroud to form a dominant offensive force for the 2024 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Houston Texans' offense couldn't get more exciting, General Manager Nick Caserio dropped a bombshell on Saturday. The team has acquired superstar running back Nick Chubb, pairing him with Joe Mixon to create what could be one of the most punishing backfield tandems in recent memory. The move is a clear statement of intent: Houston isn't just building on last year's success; they're aiming for the NFL's elite.
'I've been respecting his game since he was in college and I think he'll do some great things for us.' - C.J. Stroud on new teammate Nick Chubb.
The addition of Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, is designed to elevate a rushing attack that finished a respectable 15th in total yards last season into a top-tier unit. While Chubb is coming off an injury-plagued end to his time in Cleveland, a healthy version of him running alongside Joe Mixon presents a nightmare for defensive coordinators. The key, of course, will be keeping the duo on the field, as Mixon is also nursing a recent foot injury. If they can maintain their health, analysts are already predicting a top-ten rushing offense for a team suddenly overflowing with offensive firepower.
The move immediately earned the seal of approval from the team's most important player. Speaking to the media after minicamp, quarterback C.J. Stroud couldn't hide his excitement. 'He's a great player,' Stroud said of Chubb. 'I think he'll do some great things for us.' The young QB isn't just relying on new weapons, however. Stroud also revealed he's been hard at work transforming his own physique, hitting personal records in strength and speed with the goal of being 'bigger, faster, stronger' for the 2025 campaign.
While the offense grabs the headlines, the Texans' elite pass defense remains the bedrock of their success. This unit, which ranked sixth in the NFL last season by allowing just 201 passing yards per game, is poised to dominate again. Led by the fearsome pass-rushing duo of Danielle Hunter (12 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr., the defense racked up 49 sacks (fourth in the league) and a staggering 19 interceptions, the second-most in the NFL. This defensive prowess provides the perfect complement to an offense that is now more explosive than ever.
Despite the blockbuster move and a roster loaded with talent, it seems the national media might be sleeping on Houston. A recent discussion on the Texans Squad Show debated why the team is being overlooked. This sentiment is reflected in the betting markets, where oddsmakers have set the Texans' win total at 9.5—slightly below their 10-7 finish last season. After winning the AFC South and reaching the Divisional Round, the +110 odds to win the division again might look like a bargain to the Texans faithful. With a 5-1 divisional record in 2024 and a knack for winning close games, this team has already proven it can outperform expectations.
The front office has made its move, pushing its chips to the center of the table. With a potentially dominant backfield, a blossoming superstar QB, and a lockdown defense, the Texans have all the pieces. The biggest question mark remains health, particularly for the new running back duo. If Chubb and Mixon can stay on the field, the rest of the AFC is officially on notice. All eyes will now turn to September 7th, when this revamped Houston squad gets its first test against the Los Angeles Rams.
