When the Kansas City Chiefs kick off the 2024 season, they will bid for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win. After winning the last two, Patrick Mahomes' team will start the new season as heavy favourites.
But the NFL is a volatile league. Teams can suddenly become contenders after years of mediocrity. The Houston Texans are a prime example of that. Houston posted three consecutive losing seasons between 2020 and 2022 before winning the AFC South in 2023 with a 10-7 record.
It was an extraordinary turnaround. And former Super Bowl winner Chris Long thinks the Texans could be the Chiefs' biggest challengers in 2024.
On the Green Light podcast, Long said, "The window is wide open for Houston. If you asked me today who Kansas City's biggest threat is, I'd say Houston. I love what they're doing.
"They lost Jonathan Greenard but upgraded with Danielle Hunter. They lost Sheldon Rankins but replaced him with Denico Autry. I'm one of his biggest fans. And they got Joe Mixon from Cincinnati, a player with a 1,000-yard season last year."
Combine those additions alongside young quarterback C.J. Stroud, returning from a Rookie of The Year season, and the Texans are in a good spot for a Super Bowl challenge.
Live on DAZN: Watch William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes on March 16