Houston Texans: 2020 schedule predictions and breakdown

Week 12: Houston Texans at Detroit Lions

One of only two national games for the Texans for the entire season, this game will mark the eight-year anniversary of Justin Forsett’s Thanksgiving “touchdown” against the Detroit Lions.

Though they faltered down the stretch and earned the third overall pick in the draft, Detroit is a completely different team with Matthew Stafford healthy and available. Their skill position players include the dependable Marvin Jones, the underrated Kenny Golladay, Top 10 pick T.J. Hockenson, and new one-two punch Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift.

The Houston Texans will have to take advantage of their poor secondary this Thanksgiving, which ranked 32nd in the league before trading away Pro Bowler Darius Slay and replacing him with Jeff Okudah.

This will be the perfect opportunity for Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller and Kenny Stills to put on the burners and show their elite speed in front of a national audience. This game may be tougher than it looks, but I expect a win in Motor City.

Prediction: Texans 31, Lions 17 (Houston Record: 6-5)

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

This may end up being one of the most pivotal matchups of the season in determining who comes home with the AFC South Championship. After struggling with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and wanting to capitalize on an otherwise talented roster, the Colts are going all in this year with Phillip Rivers on a one-year deal.

They have surrounded him with elite talent, including the best offensive line in football, TY Hilton, second round picks Michael Pittman and Jonathan Taylor, as well as Marlon Mack.

The Houston Texans always have intriguing battles with the Colts but may have the upper hand at home. Indianapolis hasn’t been the same since Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement, and Rivers is closer to 40 years old than he would like to admit.

The Colts are built well up front, including the recent addition of defensive lineman DeForrest Buckner, but the Texans speed may be too much for them to handle. This will be a back-and-forth affair, but Houston tops their division rival in a tightly contested game.

Prediction: Texans 26, Colts 24 (Houston Record: 7-5)