Houston Chronicle writer Jonathan Alexander joins Next Up to preview offseason priorities and targeted free agents signings for the Houston Texans ahead of the 2024 season. After the loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff, the Texans saw the level of improvement they need to achieve "if they want to win these games," Alexander said. One of improvements the Texans will focus on in the offseason is strengthening position groups. According to Alexander, a priority should be signing another wide receiver. The Texans are "one injury short of being a one dimensional offense." The defensive line is also a focus. They need to resign Jonathan Greenard and Sheldon Rankins, but "they got to get more than that." Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson have been interviewing for open positions around the league. However, Alexander predicts Slowik will stay in Houston, but Johnson "has a chance at getting one of those offensive coordinator jobs." The Texans 2024 schedule has been released, and "even though it will be a tough schedule," Alexander thinks "they can win the AFC South again."

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up review NFL Championship Weekend that saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers defeat the Detroit Lions. The Ravens hosted the Chiefs and lost 17-10 after turnovers and multiple penalties. Is Patrick Mahomes soldified as the greatest quarterback in the league right now? Could the Houston Texans have defeated this Ravens performance? The 49ers hosted the Lions. The Lions were up 24-7 at halftime, but blew the lead, losing 34-31 to the 49ers. Did Lions head coach Dan Campbell make the right decision to go for it on fourth downs? Super Bowl LVIII is set with the Chiefs taking on the 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Rockets are back in town tonight to host the Los Angeles Lakers, and editor of The Rockets Wire Ben DuBose joins the show to provide some insight on the matchup.

Editor of The Rockets Wire Ben DuBose joins Next Up to preview the Los Angeles Lakers entering the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets tonight. DuBose begins by recapping the Rockets win on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, but also the loss to the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday. However, a silver lining was guard Jalen Green scoring 36 points in three quarters against the Hornets. "He's got some momentum," DuBose said. With more teams focused on defending center Alperen Şengün, DuBose thinks the Rockets need to continue to be creative with offensive strategies. "Jalen is the key." The Rockets "did not have counters" against the Nets, but the Rockets have an opportunity to get back on track against the Lakers. DuBose also breaks down the 2024 NBA Draft and the Rockets' picks.

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up discuss the new trend in the NFL where organizations are hiring younger head coaches. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has been interviewing for multiple openings, including the Atlanta Falcons position that was filled by Raheem Morris. Texans quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson has also been interviewing for offensive coordinator positions around the league, including with the Steelers, Patriots, Saints and Eagles. Stan and Chris review the 10 starters for the NBA All-Star teams that were announced Thursday. Will Rockets center Alperen Şengün make the All-Star roster? Stan and Chris also break down New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte getting arrested for illegal sports betting, and Texas Southern University head football coach Cris Dishman joins to talk about recruiting talent in Houston.

Cris Dishman, former Houston Oilers cornerback and current head football coach at Texas Southern University, joins Next Up to talk about his journey from an NFL player and coach, XFL, CFL and USFL coach and now at Texas Southern. Dishman is already focused on next season starting with recruiting talent in Houston. "We're not behind, we're right on time." Dishman also wants to put a focus on helping recruits grow as players and as men. "What happens on the field, happens off the field," and "behind every good program is funding" that can "help these kids grow as individuals."

Stan Norfleet and Chris Gordy of Next Up reflect on a weird time in Houston sports. What are we most excited for now that the Texans' season has ended? Stan and Chris also debate whether they would rather have a guaranteed World Series win for the Astros or the Texans in an AFC Championship appearance. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has been added to the AFC roster in the Pro Bowl, replacing Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby who is out with injury. Former Houston Texans running back Jonathan Wells joins the show to recap the Texans season and discuss offseason goals. The Houston Rockets lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 137-131 in overtime, and Jackson Gatlin, host of "Locked On Rockets," joins the show to break down the loss. Stan and Chris also comments on Jim Harbaugh being named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, the Carolina Panthers hiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their head coach, the finalists for The Associated Press' 2023 NFL awards and more.

Host of the "Locked On Rockets" podcast Jackson Gatlin joins Next Up to recap the Portland Trail Blazers defeating the Houston Rockets 137-131 in overtime. Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant each hit clutch 3-pointers in the final seconds of regulation to extend the game to overtime. Gatlin says the Rockets can't blame their recent losses on injuries. "The team has experienced a bit of a drop-off defensively." The Rockets will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Friday.

Former Houston Texans running back Jonathan Wells joins Next Up to recap the Texans season after losing the AFC Divisional playoff against the Baltimore Ravens. "The better team won," but Wells credits the front office for "having an amazing draft" and building a team that "over-achieved." When reviewing the Texans' schedule for next season, Wells acknowledges that "it's hard to maintain that momentum heading into next year." However, there's "going to be a whole lot of turnover" across the league, so it is difficult to size-up future opponents. As the Texans head into the offseason and enter the free agent market, Wells gives his keys to improvement. "We need to be able to run the football in the playoffs," and "we got to keep guys healthy on the field."

Chris Gordy of Next Up and guest host Dan Mathews react to C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. being named the Offensive and Defensive Rooke of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. Texans defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire will not be returning to the organization next season, while offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson continue to interview for available positions around the league. Larry Holder, senior NFL writer for The Athletic, joins the show to share is optimism about the Texans' future and preview possible free agents that could land in Houston. Former Astros pitcher Billy Wagner missed the National Baseball Hall of Fame election after his ninth time on the ballot. Wagner will have one more chance on the ballot next year. Chris and Dan review Mel Kiper's first 2024 NFL mock draft, preview the Texans' divisional opponents ahead of next season and more.

Larry Holder, senior NFL writer for The Athletic, joins Next Up to discuss the Houston Texans following their AFC Divisional playoff loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Holder admits that he picked the Texans to upset the Ravens, and even though he was wrong, he believes that this is only the "base level of where the Texans can go." With DeMeco Ryans as head coach and C.J. Stroud as a quarterback "you know you can lean on," the Texans already have the "pillars of a franchise." Holder analyzes the Texans offseason priorities in signing free agents. "I don't think [Jonathan] Greenard is a one year wonder," and "this team is only going to get better," which has "probably never been said with the Texans." Holder also touches on the NFL Conference Championships, labeling them as "two great games" leading up to the Super Bowl.