Houston Texans vs. Washington Redskins: Series History

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Houston Texans helmet on the field during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday at 1 p.m. ET will mark the fourth time since the Houston Texans entered the NFL that they will be squaring off with the Washington Redskins, with this meeting being in Houston.

Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins helmet during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Washington Redskins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In the first three meetings, the Redskins have had the upper hand more times than the Texans, leading this series 2-1, winning in ’02 and ’06, while the Texans won the last meeting on Sept. 19, 2010 by a 30-27 score in Landover, MD.

Houston won that game in ’10 with a 35-yard field goal by Neil Rackers in overtime. In fact in that game, the Texans scored 20 straight points to earn the victory.

The Texans lost the first two times these two teams played by scores of 26-10 (Dec. 22, 2002) and 31-15 (Dept. 24, 2006).

Not that any of those past results matter for this season, but if history indicates anything it is the Redskins have outscored the Texans, 84-55 in the three previous meetings.

As for the game Sunday, like I’ve said all week, the Redskins must prepare a way to stop both defensive end J.J. Watt and rookie No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney at outside linebacker.

There is also inside linebacker Brian Cushing to worry about as well as he is returning after missing half the season in ’13 with a knee injury.

The Texans really could have something special on defense this season, and for the Redskins, they have the task of being the first team forced to keep that trio off their quarterback in a regular season game. Both Watt and Clowney had a sack in the preseason.

Another interesting fact about this game is both teams are starting the season with new head coaches. The Redskins hired Jay Gruden and the Texans hired Bill O’Brien, so at least one rookie head coach will win on their NFL debut.

Also this week I said this game will be controlled and won by what defense plays better, The win won’t be by much, but it will come do to the defense in this first game of the ’14 season.

My prediction was the Texans win the game by three points by a 17-14 score.