The whole thing of the NFL will flip the web page to 2026 because the common season schedules are introduced on Thursday, Might 14th. Tomorrow, the street to Houston’s first Tremendous Bowl might be laid in entrance of them, and debate will rage onward because the bitter drugs of the 2025 season are swallowed and forgotten. However, regardless that we gained’t know the precise schedule till a bit later, the Texans have already introduced their opponents for the upcoming season, and they’re:
Indianapolis Colts (Residence & Away)Tennessee Titans (Residence & Away)Jacksonville Jaguars (Residence & Away)Baltimore Ravens (Residence)Cincinnati Bengals (Residence)Buffalo Payments (Residence)Dallas Cowboys (Residence)New York Giants (Residence)Cleveland Browns (Away)Pittsburgh Steelers (Away)LA Chargers (Away)Philadelphia Eagles (Away)Washington Commanders (Away)Inexperienced Bay Packers (Away)
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So many intriguing matchups in a single season, you’ll be able to nearly scent the fireworks from 4 months away! It might appear to be a frightening schedule at first look, however the mixed win proportion of all of those opponents is simply .474, good for seventh-weakest within the league. Though now that free company and the draft have come and gone, many of those groups (particularly the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders) are much more intimidating than they have been only a few months in the past.
However, what are essentially the most thrilling matchups? The video games that may get you excited, or possibly even nervous? What video games will outline the 2026 season for the Houston Texans? Effectively, don’t wait to inform us down within the feedback under, as you’ll be able to vote in your most anticipated sport in the newest Battle Purple ballot proper right here:


What 2026 Texans matchup are you most excited for?
The Texans might be going through the AFC South, AFC North, NFC East, the Buffalo Payments, the L.A. Chargers, and the Inexperienced Bay Packers in 2026. Which matchup are you most enthusiastic about?
Closes in 7 days • 4 complete votesView outcomes
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All of those are good choices, and I’d love to listen to extra of your ideas on which of those video games would be the most fun within the feedback part under. Personally, there’s 4 video games that stand out to me as essentially the most attention-grabbing, essentially the most worrying, and/or essentially the most impactful on Houston’s hopes of bringing dwelling the Lombardi Trophy in 2026.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
Take your self again to Christmas Day, 2024. Hopefully, fond reminiscences unrelated to soccer come to thoughts, as a result of there was nothing value remembering about that 31-2 drubbing at dwelling in addition to the Beyoncé halftime present and that security pressured by then-rookie CB Kamari Lassiter. Even together with his virulent power and Beyoncé’s heavenly intonations serenading her hometown crowd on Christmas Day, each felt similar to a footnote to a day dominated by the relentless churning of Baltimore RB Derrick Henry’s legs.
Behind Baltimore’s punishing offensive entrance, Texans d-linemen Tommy Togiai and Tim Settle have been completely helpless as they have been tossed to the aspect to make method for the Henry tsunami, who completed the sport with 147 yards dashing on 27 makes an attempt. Houston merely couldn’t cease him, and even when the ball wasn’t going to Henry, the Ravens’ offense was nonetheless a dream-killer for Houston followers due to QB Lamar Jackson’s handful of back-breaking completions and profitable scrambling. Standing at 9-6 and limping their method into the playoffs, this loss signified one in all Houston’s lowest factors within the CJ Stroud period…which might make a second yr in a row of revenge all of the extra sweeter! Houston already accomplished some act of retribution final yr of their 44-10 beat down of the Ravens in October final yr, however contemplating Baltimore’s accidents on the time of that sport, Houston gained’t get full satisfaction of getting the purple albatross off their neck till they beat Lamar Jackson truthful and sq..
The Texans have had many video games finish sourly as a result of their protection did not include a cellular quarterback, and Jackson is not any exception to that rule. Conserving him contained would vindicate normal supervisor Nick Caserio’s roster constructing, head coach DeMeco Ryans’ game-management and coordination, and it will make the massive contracts handed out to DE Danielle Hunter, DE Will Anderson, and LB Azeez Al-Shaair look all of the extra value it. On the finish of the day, Caserio, Ryans, and all of those gamers have been dropped at Houston to beat nice opponents like Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, they usually have been capable of do it as soon as final yr, now it’s time to make that success the norm. If the Steelers can beat the Ravens yearly, then it must be no drawback for the Texans.
Houston Texans @ Washington Commanders
To paraphrase Charles Barkely, I’ve received two phrases for you: CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels – Should-see TV! Okay, possibly that was a bit greater than two phrases, however you’ll be able to’t inform me {that a} match between two of the NFL’s finest younger sign callers isn’t probably the most intriguing matchups of the season, particularly when you think about the connective tissue between each groups. Former LT Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Washington Commanders final March, concluding his closely debated tenure in Houston with an equally controversial ending. Then, throughout this most up-to-date cycle of free company, Texans DT Tim Settle departed Houston after Washington provided him a three-year, $24 million contract. It might be a homecoming for Settle, who grew up within the Virginia space and was drafted by Washington in 2018, however that gained’t cease me from feeling a bit burned after I see him lining up in opposition to one in all Houston’s new inside linemen this coming season.
The actual headliner for this sport would be the Stroud vs. Daniels matchup, although. Stroud was just one yr faraway from among the finest rookie quarterback seasons the NFL has ever seen when Jayden Daniels swooped in from LSU in 2024 and stole all the thunder from Stroud, main Washington again to relevance with a rookie yr for the ages. In only a single yr, it felt just like the nationwide highlight had shortly pulled away from Stroud and proper onto Daniels, and for good purpose contemplating the state Houston’s offense was in for a lot of the 2024 season. However, now that we’re in 2026 and each Daniels and Stroud have had a chance to disappoint fan bases, this matchup might be an opportunity for his or her rivalry to start out in earnest. Two of essentially the most proficient younger QBs within the league, making an attempt to guide their misfit groups to the promised land, going head-to-head in a sport that might find yourself defining every of their seasons if both aren’t cautious – rely me in!
This sport gained’t have as deep of an affect on Houston’s playoff race contemplating it’s an out-of-conference matchup, however as a result of similarities in age and up to date success each groups have loved, I imagine that Jayden Daniels and CJ Stroud will all the time be linked to one another because the NFL neighborhood tries to find out who’s the #1 famous person quarterback of the 2020s. Though, earlier than both participant begins assembling a legacy of success, they’ll must spend some extra time slaying the demons that maintain dominion over the league proper now. Particularly, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Payments!
Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Payments
Oh yeah, rematch time! Final yr, the Texans surprised the NFL world as they laid waste to Payments QB Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense, ending the sport with 8 sacks, 12 QB hits, a pressured fumble and fumble restoration, and two interceptions! Regardless of QB Davis Mills main the Texans that night time because of a concussion CJ Stroud was nonetheless recovering from, Houston was nonetheless capable of manhandle the Payments and escape the dreaded Thursday night time matchup with a victory. It was a miracle, made much more spectacular contemplating the Texans solely scored three factors the whole second half, and their protection needed to tolerate the offense going three-and-out again and again in the direction of the tip of the sport. It was Josh Allen vs. the Texans’ defensive position for the overwhelming majority of the sport, and it solely takes a fast take a look at the stats to see who gained that matchup. That night time, a nationwide viewers was uncovered to what the Texans have been actually able to and what the “swarm” mentality actually meant. That night time, soccer viewers all all over the world grew to become Houston Texans followers.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8pDfwXG
Though, for those who have been listening to the telecast, or checking social media whereas the sport was happening, you most likely would have been listening to one title and one title solely: Josh Allen, Josh Allen, and a few extra Josh Allen. It’s no secret that Josh Allen, in all of his may and majesty, has taken over the air waves of the various sports activities broadcasters and podcast hosts. His yearly dominance on the gridiron and weekly highlight-reel performances virtually demand to be lined on the nationwide stage, and the truth that his workforce is all the time arising simply quick within the large contests simply offers pundits extra alternative to defend Allen as this kind of heaven-sent quarterback that may sooner or later conquer the mighty Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, hoist Excalibur and turn out to be king of the NFL. However, for me personally, I had nearly had it with the Josh Allen discuss after that Texans victory. Right here the Texans have been, doing every little thing beneath the solar to flee with a much-needed victory in opposition to an powerhouse AFC opponent with their BACKUP QUARTERBACK, and the nationwide dialog was nonetheless all about Josh Allen and his ugly night time.
Effectively, in 2026, Houston can have a chance to point out up the Josh Allen fan membership as soon as once more, press his nostril beneath their boot for the second yr in a row, and firmly set up themselves because the destroyers of the Josh Allen agenda. With a second victory in a row, the Texans can leapfrog the Payments as one of many AFC’s premiere groups, able to tackle any challenger and dethrone the Chiefs as the brand new team-to-beat. It’s been a very long time because the Texans have held the eye of a nationwide viewers, but when they’re capable of beat down the Payments once more, there’s no telling how far Houston’s star will rise. However, why cease at capturing the nationwide viewers when the Texans might go worldwide?
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Worldwide Recreation, Wembley Stadium in London, UK
That’s proper! After heavy rumors circulated on-line in regards to the potential of the Texans enjoying the Jaguars in London, it was confirmed this morning: The Houston Texans will face the divisional-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England on October 18th, 2026 (Week 6) at 8:30 AM CST. This would be the first worldwide sport for the Texans since 2019, once they defeated the Jaguars 26-3 in the identical venue.
The truth that this sport might be in London provides some intrigue all by itself, however don’t be fooled as a result of this Jaguars workforce can destroy the Texans’ season in a rush. The Jaguars have been the one division opponent to beat the Texans in 2025, and that single loss hung over Houston for the remainder of the season and granted the Jaguars the AFC South crown. In reality, Houston would have been swept by the Jaguars if it weren’t for an exciting fourth quarter comeback orchestrated by DE Danielle Hunter and backup QB Davis Mills, who sprinted into the tip zone for the game-winning rating with simply 37 seconds left on the clock.
I believe it’s secure to say the Jaguars have been extremely aggravated with letting that sport slip by means of their fingers. After that sport, the Jaguars rattled off an eight-game win streak (which was solely bested by Houston’s nine-game win streak), ending in a wildcard loss to the Buffalo Payments. If it weren’t for that single loss to Houston, the Jaguars would’ve completed 14-3 and atop the AFC, however as an alternative, they needed to hand the #1 seed to the Denver Broncos and kiss their Tremendous Bowl goals goodbye on the primary weekend of the playoffs. One thing tells me that the Jaguars have grown bored with the Texans getting of their method, and can wish to make a degree of squishing them of their dwelling away from dwelling in London.
Not if CJ Stroud has something to say about it, although! Stroud might have missed that thrilling 36-29 victory over the Jaguars in week 10 final yr, however contemplating how ugly his 2025 postseason was, Stroud might be aiming to show himself in opposition to the NFL’s finest in 2026. He, Danielle Hunter, and the remainder of the Texans’ workforce will look to show that final yr’s win was not only a fluke, and that the Texans are the true powerhouse of the AFC South. There’s been a few years the place the rivalry between the Texans and Jaguars was ignored as a result of one or each groups have been horrible, however that isn’t the case anymore. Each the Jaguars and Texans have star quarterbacks with years of NFL expertise, a powerful supporting forged round them, and an important protection as well. Identical to final yr, I anticipate each groups to be making noise within the postseason, so this one sport in London might find yourself deciding the AFC-South crown, the #1 seed within the AFC, and even the eventual Tremendous Bowl champion. How about that for some worldwide intrigue!


What 2026 Texans matchup are you most excited for?
The Texans might be going through the AFC South, AFC North, NFC East, the Buffalo Payments, the L.A. Chargers, and the Inexperienced Bay Packers in 2026. Which matchup are you most enthusiastic about?
Closes in 7 days • 4 complete votesView outcomes
Texans vs. BillsTexans @ SteelersTexans vs. CowboysTexans @ EaglesOtherRec 0CommentsThin Stroke Remark Icon BubbleReply
