With the Texans set to open training camp and with the regular season just around the corner, it’s naturally about that time to start looking at the 2026 schedule and gauging how the home team might fare this season.
Having solidified the defense while adding needed pieces on the offensive line, this feels like the season the Texans could finally break through their second-round playoff ceiling and, dare we say, reach the Super Bowl.
But before we go too far, let’s break down the regular season, which includes four prime-time games, a Week 6 matchup in London, and a treacherous late-season stretch where they will play four late-season cold-weather games. So, it could be interesting.
Here is a look at the Texans’ regular-season schedule and a prediction of how they will come out. I have them going 13-4, winning the AFC South, and earning a first-round playoff bye. How do you see the season going for the Texans?
Game 1
Texans vs Buffalo Bills
When: Sun, Sept. 13, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: Josh Allen and the Bills are always a tough opponent, especially out of the gate. But with a new head and on the road, the Texans’ experience and comforts of home will translate into a season-opening victory.
Game 2
Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals
When: Sun, Sept. 20, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: With all of the changes in the AFC North, the Bengals are definitely a playoff team, but it will be tough for them to come out of NRG with a victory. The Texans’ defense will wreak havoc on Joe Burrow and company, while C.J. Stroud and the offense will take another step forward in this win.
Game 3
Indianapolis Colts vs. Texans
When: Sun, Sept. 27, noon
Where: Indianapolis
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: The Texans will hit the road for the first time, but they will be facing a familiar foe in a familiar stadium for this key early-season AFC South showdown. Daniel Jones got off to a fast start with the Colts last season, but that won’t be the case against the Texans’ defense this season.
Game 4
Texans vs Dallas Cowboys
When: Sun, Oct. 4, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: This is the showdown all of Houston looks forward to. This is technically a home game for the Texans, but the way this city is divided between the Texans and Cowboys, it will feel like a neutral-site game. But look for C.J. Stroud and the offense to have their way against the Cowboys’ suspect defense.
Game 5
Tennessee Titans vs. Texans
When: Sun, Oct. 11, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: The Titans will eventually become a force in the AFC South, but this isn’t the year, especially on the road. The only real question mark here is how the Texans will respond when the former Oilers come into NRG Stadium wearing the Oilers colors.
Game 6
Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
When: Sun, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m.
Where: London
Win or loss: Loss
Here is why: This one will be tough for both teams, as it is essentially an early-morning game in this venture across the pond. It will be a matter of adapting the quickest. This is technically the home game for the Jaguars, and with an hour up on the Texans in terms of time zones, give this one to the home team.
Game 7
Texans vs. New York Giants
When: Sun, Oct. 25, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: The Texans return home and, with their legs back under them, look for them to get back on the winning track. But the Texans have to be careful not to already be in bye-week mode with the week off coming up.
Game 8
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Texans
When: Sun, Nov. 8, 3:05 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: Coming off the bye week should invigorate the Texans, but going against the Chargers on the road is a tough task. The Texans and their defense will dominate this one.
Game 9
Cleveland Browns vs. Texans
When: Sun, Nov. 15, noon
Where: Cleveland
Win or loss: Loss
Here is why: Deshaun Watson will get another crack at his former team, and this time it will be in the more friendly and understanding confines of Huntington Bank Field. Watson will have a big day, and the Browns will come away with the win.
Game 10
Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
When: Thu, Nov. 19, 7:15 p.m.
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: Returning home for the first time in almost a month will be exactly what the Texans need after back-to-back losses.
Game 11
Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
When: Sun, Nov. 29, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been nothing short of an Achilles Heel for C.J. Stroud and the Texans. But look for that to change in this key late-season showdown.
Game 12
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Texans
When: Sun, Oct. Dec. 6, 7:20 p.m.
Where: Pittsburgh
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will be looking for payback from last season’s playoff letdown to the Texans. But they won’t get it, even though this is the start of the Texans’ late-season cold-weather road stretch.
Game 13
Washington Commanders vs. Texans
When: Sun, Dec. 12, noon
Where: Washington, DC
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: In a grueling season-ending schedule in potential cold weather, this is a must-win for the Texans with the Jaguars and back-to-back road games at Philadelphia and Green Bay on the horizon.
Game 14
Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
When: Sun, Dec. 20, noon
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: In a game that is full of huge AFC South implications, the Texans will hold on to win this showdown of the top two teams in the division. The Texans will rise to the occasion in this one.
Game 15
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Texans
When: Thurs, Dec. 24, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia
Win or loss: Loss
Here is why: The Texans will face Channelview product Jalen Hurts, but don’t expect Hurts to give any hometown favors. The Eagles will have the Texans in their outdoor stadium in a nationally televised night game. The Texans will come home disappointed for Christmas.
Game 16
Green Bay Packers vs. Texans
When: Mon, Jan. 4, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Green Bay
Win or loss: Loss
Here is why: In front of a nationally televised Monday Night Football contest, this one will be a tough out for the Texans because they will be facing a good Packers team and because the game will be played at frigid Lambeau Field in January.
Game 17
Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
When: TBD (Flex Game)
Where: NRG
Win or loss: Win
Here is why: We don’t know what day or time this AFC South rivalry season-ending showdown will be played, but there is no doubt that after the month the Texans will be coming off, this game and its implications will be huge. Don’t anticipate the Texans having the luxury of resting starters ahead of the playoffs. The Texans will win this one for the AFC South title.
