Texans Schedule Release Leaks: Confirmed Opponents and Dates

The NFL schedule release is officially upon us later this week on Thursday, May 14th, which means for the Houston Texans (and the rest of the league, for that matter), their upcoming 17-game slate set to take place later this year will finally come to light.

But as we remain in a bit of a waiting period in the lead-up to the Texans' official reveal showcasing their 18-week schedule, we do have a few hints regarding which teams Houston will be facing on the schedule, and even a leaked date for one of those 17 games.

We'll likely know more as the week progresses and more leaks surface. But with the information we know now, let's take a look at the Texans' confirmed opponents for the 2026 schedule, and any dates that may also be revealed.

Home Matchups

Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants

Away Matchups

Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
LA Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Green Bay Packers

In all, the Texans will have their usual pair of matchups against each team in the AFC South, along with sets of games across two other divisions–– the AFC North and the NFC East.

But the Texans will also have a few games stemming from their second-place finish in the division last year. Houston has three games against similar second-place teams from last year in the Green Bay Packers, LA Chargers, and Buffalo Bills; all of which set up to be some pretty tough challenges on paper.

Based on projected win totals headed into next season, the Texans currently have the 26th-ranked strength of schedule in the NFL, and the second-toughest of any team in the AFC, behind only the Miami Dolphins.

The Texans have seven total matchups against teams who made the postseason in 2025.

Leaked Dates

Week 6: Texans vs. Jaguars @ Wembley Stadium | Oct 18th, 8:30 AM CT

NFL SCHEDULE LEAK

Texans vs Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London - Week 6 - Sun Oct 18th 9:30 ET pic.twitter.com/ffKX0Di9QM
— NFL Nerd (@NerdingonNFL) May 9, 2026

Houston's first leak on the calendar: Week 6 vs. Jacksonville offers a unique chance for the Texans to head internationally for a game that the franchise hasn't done since 2019. That's when they also went over to the UK to face the Jaguars in their home away from home.

Houston would eventually win that game in dominant fashion 26-3, and land their first-ever international victory. Now seven years later, the two division rivals will face off in Wembley once again with a much-different look roster-wise for both sides.

Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) is pressured by Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90), linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Texans and Jaguars are coming fresh off a 2025 campaign where they each logged double-digit wins for an eventual playoff berth, and in their two matchups during the regular season, split their two-game series 1-1.

Houston will hope to change that record into a sweep for their upcoming 2026 slate, and could do so with a statement win overseas.

Week 13: Texans @ Steelers | Dec. 6, SNF

NFL SCHEDULE LEAK

Texans at Steelers - Week 13 SNF (Dec 6) pic.twitter.com/JR8k5pH1vx
— NFL Nerd (@NerdingonNFL) May 14, 2026

The Texans' first primetime leak happens to be a familiar playoff rematch against the Pittsburgh Steelers that ended in a commanding Houston Wild Card win earlier this January. Now, the Steelers appear to have a golden opportunity to strike back.

The Texans will have some changes on the Steelers' roster to take note of compared to last year's setup. Most notably, Pittsburgh has a new coach in Mike McCarthy, and has several personnel moves made on the offensive side of the ball that should prepare them for a more competitive duel.

Week 14: Texans @ Commanders | Dec. 13, 12 PM CT

NFL Schedule Leak

Texans at Commanders - Week 14 - 1:00 PM pic.twitter.com/iMllSu7FzY
— Ozzy (@OzzyNFL) May 14, 2026

The Texans will be traveling to face the Commanders in the second half of their schedule on Week 14, slated for a regular matchup in the 12 p.m. window. That means Houston will face a two-game road trip between both Washington and the Steelers in the final six weeks.

This matchup could also very well be the Texans' final matchup in Northwest Stadium— the Commanders' current home stadium— considering the old RFK Stadium in DC is slated to be opened in 2030.

Week 16: Texans @ Eagles | Dec. 24, TNF

BREAKING 🎅

Texans at Eagles - Week 16 - Christmas Eve (TNF) pic.twitter.com/r2utd7ZQnu
— Ozzy (@OzzyNFL) May 14, 2026

Expect to see the Texans on your TV come Christmas Eve! Houston will be taking the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 for a holiday matchup, which also happens to fall on Thursday Night Football.

The last time the Texans had a Christmas game, that came back in 2024 when the Baltimore Ravens had their way in a 2-31 rout. This time, it won't be on the day of, but will still hope to inspire better results in what'll likely be a game with notable playoff implications for both sides.

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