The Good and Bad of Every Game on the 2026 NFL Schedule for the Houston Texans
Plenty to like about this schedule with a couple of rough spots
The schedule is out for the Houston Texans. They have four primetime games, a trip to London, and a holiday game in primetime. It’s not a gauntlet, but it’s no gift either.
A slow start similar to last season would put the Texans in a bad spot. Opposing defenses shouldn’t be too tough, so hopefully the offense gets off to a good start. The four road games in the final six games are difficult to navigate while fighting for AFC seeding.
Here is the good and bad of every game on the schedule.
Week 1 vs Buffalo Bills
Good: The Buffalo defense isn’t that tough. DeMeco Ryans has had a lot of success against Josh Allen at home. Defenses are usually ahead of offenses.
Bad: Josh Allen isn’t having three straight awful games against the Texans, right? Surely a new head coach, though Joe Brady has been there the past two seasons, and a full offseason, have the Bills more ready for this matchup than in the past years. Buffalo should be healthy for this one. They’ve been banged up in recent trips to Houston. D.J. Moore was a nice addition for them and should help their offense.
Week 2 vs Cincinnati Bengals
Good: The Bengals might have added Dexter Lawrence, but they still stink on defense. Lawrence is excellent, but he doesn’t fix their problems. Defenses should still be ahead of offenses this early in the year. Zac Taylor hasn’t had much success against DeMeco Ryans. The Bengals still have an unimpressive offensive line.
Bad: Joe Burrow and his weapons on offense are nasty. This is one of the better opponents from an offensive talent standpoint on the entire schedule. It’s also quite the challenge for the defense in back-to-back weeks.
Week 3 at Indianapolis Colts
Good: Daniel Jones should still be reeling from his injuries last year. The defense, which has had big changes, might still be coming together. DeMeco Ryans is on a win streak against the Colts.
Bad: Jonathan Taylor is still very dangerous. There is still a little juice to the defensive line for the Colts. They might be able to get a little heat on C.J. Stroud.
