The Houston Texans brought in Joe Mixon this offseason after the team finished an extraordinary year. Head coach DeMeco Ryans, along with Rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., immediately hit the ground running and gave the franchise new life. They were way better than expected, with Stroud and Anderson winning both the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, respectively.
What was missing last season was a consistent run game. Devin Singletary had his moments but was never going to be a lead back due to his size. Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce regressed hugely from the season before, when he was a surprise rookie breakout. Overall, the run game was stagnant more often than not, and that’s why the team traded the Cincinnati Bengals for Joe Mixon.
The deal has received a lot of praise since it happened, but I’m not entirely sold. Joe Mixon isn’t the same player he once was and Houston has become more of an air-it-out type of offense. Stroud is the clear leader and centerpiece of the team, so Mixon might have a hard time just adjusting to being a small part of the offense.
Joe Mixon Could Stumble in 2024
Last year Joe Mixon showed off the good and bad during a middling season where he hit 1,000 yards rushing for the 4th time in his career. He also scored 9 rushing touchdowns and caught 52 balls for 376 yards and 3 TDs. Not bad but also not great. Joe Mixon wasn’t winning games for the Bengals but he also wasn’t losing them.
In his career, Joe Mixon has rushed for 6,412 yards and 49 touchdowns, while catching 283 passes for 2,139 yards and 13 TDs. But if we’re being honest, Joe is now 28 years old and on the downside of his career. He’s played nearly 100 games in the NFL and surely can’t keep churning along for much longer.
Also, Joe Mixon seems to be perpetually Questionable when it comes to his health during the regular season. It seems like he’s dealing with a nagging injury every week. However, the Texans still saw enough to give him a new 3-year, 25-million-dollar extension and they didn’t trade for Joe Mixon to keep him on the sidelines.
Can Joe Mixon be Useful in Fantasy Football in 2024?
Joe Mixon has a chance to maximize his potential because the Texan’s offense is already so good. The team added superstar wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a stunning trade with the Bills. Diggs comes into an already excellent pass corp that includes number one wide receiver Nico Collins and breakout rookie Tank Dell. Those three challenge any WR trio in the NFL.
The team also has crafty veteran Robert Woods, speedster Noah Brown, and the finally healthy John Metchie III. That’s some great depth. But we can’t forget veteran tight end Dalton Shultz, who had a strong connection with Stroud last year. He served as a reliable safety blanket who ran routes far more often than he stayed home to block.
All these weapons will open up the field for both C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon, giving them every chance to succeed. Left Tackle Leremy Tunsil may be the best in the game and he anchors the line. But it’s guards Shaq Mason and Kenyon Green along with Right Tackle Tytus Howard that can really get the ground game going. This line is among the best in the league and they intend to show it once again.
Final Thoughts
Joe Mixon has moved from one great situation to another. He should have every chance to hit 1,000 yards and rush for at least 10 touchdowns. However, he has to learn a new offense and his advancing age is something to be concerned about. Overall, Joe Mixon could be solid, and with big risk comes a big reward.
