Road to Success? Game-By-Game Breakdown Of Texans 2023 Schedule
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans released their schedule for the 2023 campaign, which will begin against the Baltimore Ravens on September 10.
The game will mark the earliest matchup between the two teams in franchise history and just the eighth time the Texans have started the season on the road. Here is a game-by-game breakdown of all 18 weeks for the Texans.
Week 1 Texans @ Ravens:
Lamar Jackson is not only back with the Baltimore Ravens. But the former MVP quarterback returned to arguably the best team he has had since the Ravens drafted him in 2018. A wide receiving corps that features Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers could make for an ugly season opener for the Texans.
Week 2: Colts @ Texans:
The Texans and Indianapolis Colts made for two bizarre games in 2022. The first meeting ended in a controversial tie after the Texans gave up a 20-3 second-half lead at NRG Stadium. And to end a dreadful season for both teams, the Texans took a 32-31 road win against the Colts and forfeited the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rookie quarterbacks Anthony Richarson and C.J. Stroud would be trying to find their grooves on an NFL level. But with the Colts being the more established team with a healthy Johnathan Taylor and Shaquille Leonard, the Texans could drop their season opener against their AFC South counterparts.
Week 3: Texans @ Jaguars:
Since the AFC South's conception in 2002, each team that has dominated the division had the best quarterback. The Colts, Texans and Titans could all have rookies starting under center at some point during the season, while quarterback Trevor Lawrence could be on the verge of his second Pro-bowl selection.
The Jaguars are favorites to win the division for the second consecutive season. And recording a Week 3 win over the Texans would showcase that Jacksonville has the advantage due to its experience under center.
Week 4: Steelers @ Texans:
Outside of 2020, where the team went 12-4, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been a middle-of-the-pack team since 2018. And despite having one of the league's top defenses, the Steelers will likely replicate their mediocre play in 2023.
The Steelers and Texans could make for a low-scoring contest. But the game could end in Houston coming away victorious on their home field.
Week 5 Texans @ Falcons:
The Texans' road match against the Atlanta Falcons could make for a fun battle between two young quarterbacks featuring Stroud and Desmond Ridder.
The Falcons and Texans almost mirror each other to a fault. And the advantage could come in which franchise could establish their run game against well-respected defenses. Dameon Pierce could have the upper hand over Bijan Robinson as a second-year running back, which could help the Texans steal a road victory in the ATL.
Week 6: Saints @ Texans:
The NFC South may have been the worst division last season, and the New Orleans Saints had arguably the worst performance due to their play at quarterback. But NOLA landed Pro-Bowl quarterback Derek Carr this offseason. And given the long-awaited return of wide receiver Michael Thomas, the Saints could re-establish themselves as the best team in their division.
The last time the Saints and Texans met, New Orleans recorded a 30-28 victory following a game-winning field goal by kicker Wil Lutz in 2019. The Texans could drop their fourth game of the series against the Saints, should New Orleans' health prevail by Week 6.
Week 7: Bye
Week 8 Texans @ Panthers:
The Texans' Week 8 match against the Carolina Panthers could make for the most anticipated game of the 2023 season.
The contest will feature a battle between Stroud and his long-time friend Bryce Young — who the Panthers took with the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. Stroud and Young should put on an entertaining show. But the Texans could leave Bank of America Stadium with a close win off the strength of their defense.
Week 9 Buccaneers @ Texans:
The Tom Brady era officially ended in February, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a shell of the team that won Super Bowl LV less than two years ago.
The Buccaneers are on the verge of rebuilding their franchise. But most of Tampa Bay's potential success will fall on quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is on his third team in less than a year. And due to his respective subpar play, Houston's defense would be enough to help the Texans take a home win over the Buccaneers.
Week 10 Texans @ Bengals:
The Cincinnati Bengals could be the best team the Texans face throughout the 2023 season. The talent and experience gap are far apart between the two franchises, which could lead to an ugly contest for Houston.
Week 11: Cardinals @ Texans:
The Texans and Arizona Cardinals have seemingly switched places since their last meeting on Oct. 24, 2021. The Texans were in the early stages of their rebuilding project with former coach David Culley, which led to Houston falling 31-5 at State Farm Stadium.
Nearly two years since their previous meeting, the Texans could come away with a victory due to the talent general manager Nick Caserio has added. The Cardinals are on the verge of a rebuild, while quarterback Kyler Murray could still be recovering from the ACL injury sustained last season.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could make his first return to Houston since his departure in March 2020. But there is a chance Hopkins could be on the move before the start of the season.
Week 12 Jaguars @ Texans:
The Texans would have more experience by their Week 12 match against the Jaguars. The game could be closer than their early season battle. But ultimately, Jacksonville could sweep the Texans due to their potential to be the best team in the division.
Week 13: Broncos @ Texans:
The Denver Broncos may have been the most disappointing team in 2022, which was evident during their 16-9 win over the Texans in September. Despite the struggles of quarterback Russell Wilson, most of Denver's dilemmas were due to the inefficiencies of former coach Nathaniel Hackett.
The Broncos canned Hackett in December and have hired former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton. Payton could be the key to helping Wilson return to his MVP-Caliber form, which may result in the nine-time pro-bowler improving to 5-0 against the Texans.
Week 14 Texans @ Jets:
Due to the arrival of future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rogers, the New York Jets have the potential to be a championship contender in the AFC. But due to Rogers' age, the Jets will fall to a handful of their inferior opponents throughout the 2023 season. And the Texans' young and improved talent could pull off a late-season victory at MetLife Stadium.
Week 15 Texans @ Titans:
The Tennessee Titans' championship window has closed. Ryan Tannehill is in his final days as the Titans' starting quarterback. And by the time the Texans face off against the Titans, rookie quarterback Will Levis could be starting under center.
A rookie quarterback trying to find his niche at the highest level is a recipe for a late-season road victory for the Texans.
Week 16: Browns @ Texans:
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will have another not-so-welcoming homecoming inside NRG Stadium. Watson made his anticipated debut against the Texans on Dec. 4 and helped Cleveland take a 27-14 win.
Stroud and Watson may make for a fun veteran versus rookie quarterback competition. But with the Browns being the most established and battled-tested team, the Texans' losing streak against Cleveland could reach four by the end of the final period.
Week 17 Titans @ Texans:
As long as Houston's improved defense under coach DeMeco Ryans can prevent running back Derrick Henry from rushing over 100 yards, the Texans would have a chance to sweep their AFC South rival.
Week 18 Texans @ Colts:
The Texans and Colts would conclude their season against each other for the second consecutive season. Unlike the controversial win in 2022, the Texans will be able to celebrate their season finale victory inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here
Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
