Houston Texans: Season preview and predictions 2021

WEEK 3

vs. Carolina Panthers 

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 23
• Time: 7:20 p.m. CST
• TV: NFL Network

A primetime game in Week 3 makes things quite intriguing for the Houston Texans. This will be a battle between two quarterbacks with new homes in Tyrod Taylor and Sam Darnold.

Facing a quarterback that is in a new scenery, plus one who holds a career sub .500 record gives Lovie Smith’s Texans defense some confidence in the nationally televised contest in Houston.

Prediction: Texans win (2-1)

WEEK 4

at Buffalo Bills 

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 3
• Time: noon CST
• TV: CBS

The Texans travel to Buffalo to face MVP hopeful Josh Allen and the Bills. In a matchup in Bills Mafia’s backyard with the high flying offense the Bills have, the Texans will be given all they can handle as they look to compete with what will be one of the AFC’s best teams.

Prediction: Texans loss (2-2)

WEEK 5

vs. New England Patriots

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 10
• Time: noon CST
• TV: CBS

A familiar foe comes to NRG stadium for a mid-October showdown. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones will look to develop and improve as he faces a Texans defense that will look to create chaos for the young signal-caller.

The Texans hold a 3-10 record against the Patriots in their history but have won the last two meetings in the last two seasons. Head coach David Culley will aim to make it three in a row this season.

Prediction: Texans win (3-2)

WEEK 6

at Indianapolis Colts

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 17
• Time: noon CST
• TV: CBS

The Carson Wentz-led Indianapolis Colts will welcome a favorable matchup against a Houston Texans team that has historically bad performances in Indianapolis.

Since Wentz arrived in Indy, the Colts have had a sense of confidence about their offense. If Wentz can stay healthy for this matchup, look for the Colts to dominate the Texans in their first meeting of the season.

Prediction: Texans loss (3-3)

WEEK 7

at Arizona Cardinals

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
• Time: noon CST
• TV: CBS

Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray will sure be licking his chops in this matchup. The Houston Texans will come into this matchup with a .500 record, but the team will be far from the caliber of the Cardinals.

The game could seemingly stay competitive throughout the first few quarters, but Arizona will ultimately pull away as depth comes into play. Also the Texans will be facing former members of the franchise J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins for the first time.

Prediction: Texans loss (3-4)