We already knew the Texans' opponents for the first season of the Lovie Smith era, but now we know the dates. The NFL's ballyhooed schedule release was Thursday night, and it revealed the Texans will play just one game in prime time when hometown guy Jalen Hurts, who graduated from Channelview High School, and the Eagles visit NRG Stadium for a Thursday night game.
The other big question was when would the Texans face the Cleveland Browns, aka Deshaun Watson's new team. The NFL pushed that game all the way back to December in Week 13, meaning as long as the quarterback, who still is facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct, isn't suspended 12 games or more, he likely will be playing in that game.
After an emotional game against Watson and the Browns, the Texans will face the in-state rival Cowboys in Arlington.
The Texans should be better than last year's 4-13 record, but not much better. We took the season week-by-week and have come up with a 6-11 prediction. Here's how we got there ...
Week 1: vs. Colts, noon Sunday, Sept. 11
The Colts absolutely dominated the Texans last season, outscoring them 64-3 in two contests. This will be Matt Ryan’s first game with the Colts and the Texans could surprise them in Week 1, but it's hard to pick against a team that’s had the Texans number. Early lines already have the Colts as 7.5-point favorites.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Week 2: at Denver 3:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
Texans rookie left guard Max Scharping (74) has grown into his role protecting teammates Deshaun Watson, Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson.
Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographerAfter trading for Russell Wilson, the Broncos – who had an excellent defense but no quarterback last season – are one of the five best teams in the AFC, probably a hair behind the Chiefs and Bills but right there with the rest of the conference. The Texans have to face them in Wilson's home opener.
Prediction: Loss (0-2)
Week 3: at Bears, noon Sunday, Sept. 25
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) stiff arms Houston Texans outside linebacker Tyrell Adams (50) as he runs the ball during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Soldier Field Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographerThe Bears were just two games better than the Texans last season. This feels like a good spot for Davis Mills to show he’s at least as good as Justin Fields.
Prediction: Win (1-2)
Week 4: vs. Chargers, noon Sunday, Oct. 2
The Texans stunned the Chargers last season in an upset that ended up costing a talented Los Angeles team a playoff spot. Justin Herbert won’t fall for the okey-doke again.
Prediction: Loss (1-3)
Week 5: at Jaguars, noon Sunday, Oct. 9
The Texans beat the Jaguars by two touchdowns in both of last season’s meetings. Both teams should be improved, but the Texans are still better.
Prediction: Win (2-3)
Week 6: Bye week
Week 7: at Raiders, 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
The Texans have had a Carr at quarterback once in their history but the Raiders could make Derek Carr available.
Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographerThe Raiders were a playoff team a year ago and have since added star receiver Davante Adams.
Prediction: Loss (2-4)
Week 8: vs. Titans, 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
The Titans had the AFC’s best record last season, but still managed to lose to the Texans once last year. Not this season.
Prediction: Loss (2-5)
Week 9: vs. Eagles, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe Eagles went 9-8 last season, but still aren’t 100 percent positive Jalen Hurts is their guy at quarterback. They got him some help by trading for A.J. Brown, but the Texans are going to be feisty at home on a Thursday night.
Prediction: Win (3-5)
Week 10: at Giants, noon Sunday, Nov. 13
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks a tackle attempt by Houston Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographerThe Giants haven’t won more than six games in any of the past five seasons and they’re giving Daniel Jones at least one more year at quarterback. Lovie Smith’s defense will feast and give the Texans a little momentum.
Prediction: Win (4-5)
Week 11: vs. Commanders, noon Sunday, Nov. 20
Chase Young of the Washington Commanders runs out to the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.
Justin Tafoya/Getty ImagesBy late November, will the Washington Commanders have the good Carson Wentz or the bad Carson Wentz at quarterback? We’re guessing he’ll be good enough to beat the Texans.
Prediction: Loss (4-6)
Week 12: at Dolphins, noon Sunday, Nov. 27
The Dolphins brough in offensive wizard Mike McDaniel to be head coach and added Tyreek Hill to the offense. If Tua Tagovailoa can’t make things happen this year, he never will.
Prediction: Loss (4-7)
Week 13: vs. Browns, noon Sunday, Dec. 4
The NFL put this game far enough back on the schedule that Deshaun Watson should be done with whatever suspension the NFL decides to give him. Watson against a riled up Houston crowd could be fun.
Prediction: Win (5-7)
Week 14: at Cowboys, noon Sunday, Dec. 11
The Texans are 2-3 against the Cowboys, beating them in the franchise’s first game and again the last time the two teams met in 2018. The Texans have never beaten the Cowboys in South Oklahoma. Tradition continues.
Prediction: Loss (5-8)
Week 15: vs. Chiefs, noon Sunday, Dec. 18
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire escapes the grasp of Zach Cunningham in the Texans’ opener.
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographerPatrick Mahomes coming to town? Lordy.
Prediction: Loss (5-9)
Week 16: at Titans, noon Saturday, Dec. 24
The Texans did win in Nashville last season, but the Titans likely will be fighting for a playoff berth at this point in the season.
Prediction: Loss (5-10)
Week 17: vs. Jaguars, noon Sunday, Jan. 1
The Texans own a six-game winning streak over the Jaguars heading into the season, and they’ll make it eight in a row in 2022.
Prediction: Win (6-10)
Week 18: at Colts, TBD Saturday or Sunday, Jan. 7 or 8
Last year, the Colts needed a win in Jacksonville in Week 18 to secure a playoff spot and couldn't do it. If they lose a costly game to the Texans in the final week of the season, everyone will be fired.
Prediction: Loss (6-11)
