Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
September;
Kansas City, at Carolina, Tampa Bay
Prediction: The Texans will start the season with two tough matchups. They should be able to edge the Chiefs in Week 1, but facing Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin, and the of the Panthers in Week 2 could be too much. Thankfully, Houston’s defense will be able to rough up Jameis Winston and the Buc’s offense to their heart’s desire.
Record for the month: 2-1
October;
at Atlanta, Indianapolis, at Jacksonville, at Miami
Prediction: More tough games are in store for the Texans as they slip past the Falcons on the shoulders of Arian Foster and the defense. Unfortunately, this drains them for the home game at Indy. This will be Houston’s best chance to beat the Colts, but I don’t imagine it happening this year. Jacksonville on the road should be a breeze, but I have a feeling an improving Dolphins offense and a defensive line led by Ndamukong Suh will win out in a close game.
Record for the month: 2-2
Record overall: 4-3
November;
Tennessee, BYE WEEK, at Cincinnati, New York Jets, New Orleans
Prediction: J.J. Watt starts off November by taking out his frustration with the Dolphins loss on poor Marcus Mariota, who doesn’t stand a chance. After a bye week to refuel, the Texans go to Cincinnati and come out victorious against one of last year’s playoff teams. Now I know what you’re thinking next: The Jets? Easy! Well, you’re wrong. The New York Jets (and new HC Todd Bowles) shock the Texans with the formidable defense they built this offseason, and Geno Smith does just enough to hand the Texans a loss. But next week’s match will be a bit better for Texans fans, as the team sends a rebuilding Saints offense home with images of what a defense really looks like.
Record for the month: 3-1
Overall record: 7-4
December;
at Buffalo, New England, at Indianapolis, at Tennessee
Prediction: This will probably the toughest month on Houston’s schedule. First, the team travels to Buffalo in the winter, where an entirely defensive game (imagine a classic Steelers-Ravens matchup) ensues. The Texans squeak out a win thanks to the Bills’ lack of a decent quarterback on the roster. But next week, even playing at home won’t matter against the defending Super Bowl champions. Then, the Texans travel to Indy (a city we have never won in) for Round 2, and once again fall to Andrew Luck and Co. Fortunately, the Texans can easily finish of the Titans once again, even away from home.
Record for the month: 2-2
Overall record: 9-6
January;
Jacksonville
Prediction: It’s Jacksonville. At home. If the Texans don’t win this game, it’ll be because the team is locked into the playoffs and is resting every starting player (and we still might win). After this win though, the Texans should strongly be in the mix for a Wild Card spot.
Record for the month: 1-0
Overall Record: 10-6
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