It’s going to be tough for the Texans to eke out many wins in 2021, but these three somewhat-favorable games on the NFL schedule present a chance.
Going fully defeated in today’s NFL is awfully tough, just as going undefeated is nearly impossible.
But if there’s to be a team in 2021 that ultimately finds itself boasting a 0-17 record this season, it’s very likely the Houston Texans.
Granted, all this changes if Houston somehow reconciles with disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has remained committed to his holdout and has an even less-certain future than the Green Bay Packers’ disgruntled star, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who also reportedly wants out.
Yet the signs aren’t pointing towards Watson coming back. And even if he did, the Texans would still likely be top favorites for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft anyway.
Such is the nature of what promises to be a lengthy and painful rebuild under general manager Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley.
That said, Houston’s upcoming 2021 NFL schedule isn’t impossible. There are some favorable matchups, either by the way of a slight favorite or even a potential trap-game upset in the works. And while the “Team Tank” crowd might not like the idea of winning games, especially if it endangers chances for the top pick a little less than a year from now, no team wants to be included in the oh-so-dishonorable regular-season winless club.
Instead, let’s focus on some of the positives and identify three games this upcoming season Houston maybe has the chance of winning.
No. 3: Week 3 — Texans vs. Panthers (Thursday Night Football)
The Carolina Panthers don’t figure to be hot contenders for a playoff berth this season, and putting their faith in former New York Jets flameout quarterback Sam Darnold to helm the franchise for the foreseeable future isn’t exactly an endorsement.
Even if Darnold eventually finds his groove en route to resurrecting his career, it’s not likely to take place early in the season.
So it’s a good thing Houston gets to host Carolina in Week 3 in a prime-time setting.
Granted, it’s Thursday Night Football. But that actually opens up a better chance for the Texans, too, as the Panthers will be traveling from a crucial NFC South showdown with the New Orleans Saints that’ll have a lot more implication and interest than this non-conference matchup at NRG Stadium.
A possible trap game for Carolina, plus the short week and being the road team, opens up a very real shot at Houston pulling off a win in Week 3.
No. 2: Week 12 — Texans vs. Jets
The Panthers are in the middle of a rebuild, while the New York Jets are only just beginning one under first-year head coach Robert Saleh.
Granted, Saleh helped turn the San Francisco 49ers defense into a force the last two years, but he still lacks enough of the weaponry on that side of the ball to suggest Gang Green will turn into a formidable force on defense this season.
Good news for a Texans offense likely needing to run the ball a lot this season.
The Jets are hinging their hopes on rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, yes. But even he might take a full year to develop into some sort of a rhythm. True, by Week 12, Houston might have turned the reins over under center from the veteran, Tyrod Taylor, to rookie quarterback Davis Mills, too. That’s anyone’s guess. This game is two weeks after Houston’s bye, which could be a perfect time to make the switch.
Related Story: Davis Mills will eventually be Texans’ starting QB
If this game was at MetLife Stadium or at a neutral site, New York would probably be a lopsided favorite.
Considering Houston can play at home, the chances of the team winning increase a little bit more in its favor.
No. 1: Week 1 — Texans vs. Jaguars
Week 1 games are weird.
Rarely are they truly indicative of what a team will be over the course of the regular season, and there have been plenty of two- or three-win teams that somehow pulled off victories in season openers.
Houston Texans
Maybe that’s how it goes for the Texans this year as they kick off their 2021 campaign with an AFC South bout against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville is in a position Houston might be a year from now — fresh off the No. 1 overall pick and with a flashy new quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, everyone thinks will be a once-in-a-generation talent.
Well, if things go as poorly for Houston as everyone also thinks, let’s hope there’s a twice-in-a-generation quarterback out there in 2022.
Lawrence could be a thorn in Houston’s side for many, many years. But getting him in Week 1 right out of the gate before he’s had a chance to truly hit his pro-level stride is pretty much the best chance the Texans may have to humble the No. 1 overall pick.
And if those Week 1 games continue to stay weird, perhaps Houston actually winds up boasting a winning record at some point this season.
Even if it doesn’t last long at all.