Week 10- at Jacksonville Jaguars
This’ll be the first meeting against what figures to be an improved Jaguars squad. By this time the Texans will have seen some of what they will be able to do and could be better prepared. Blake Bortles really struggled against the Texans last year, throwing five interceptions in two games against them. In order to keep his team in the game, he will have to cut down on the turnovers. Part of that will be seeing if the Jags offensive line can slow down J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and the Texans pass rush.
Week 11- vs. Oakland Raiders (Mexico City)
The NFL makes its return south of the Border as the Texans get on Monday Night Football for the second time. The Raiders went 7-9 in their first year under Jack Del Rio and Derek Carr took his game up a notch last season, and figures to be even better this year. Amari Cooper is one of the great young receiving talents in the game, giving the Raiders the potential for a very explosive offense. Last year Osweiler threw for over 300 yards but only managed 12 points in a home loss to the Raiders, who had one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
Week 12- San Diego Chargers
Last season the Chargers sputtered to 4-12, marred by injuries. Philip Rivers is still a top quarterback, but his time is running down. This looks like a game that the Texans should win without a doubt, but Rivers still might have some magic left in that arm. Osweiler did lead Denver to a win in San Diego last year 17-3, although he didn’t do much in that win. He really struggled in the regular season finale against those same Chargers before eventually giving way to Peyton Manning.
Week 13- at Green Bay Packers
Brr…the first week of December the Texans head to Lambeau field to face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Rodgers gets his top receiver back this season in Jordy Nelson, who missed all of last year with an injury. The cold should not faze Osweiler, but it will place a bigger burden on the running game, led by Lamar Miller. Green Bay has struggled against the run in previous years, but it will be a tall order for the Texans to get their first win over the Packers since 2008. The road team has won the first three games between these two teams.
The third quarter of the schedule is going to be tricky because they should beat the Chargers, will have a tough time against the Packers but the Jaguars and Raiders away from Houston are going to be tricky games. I see Houston maintaining their pace from the first half of the season into the third quarter of the season.