Houston Texans Schedule 2023

Houston Texans Schedule 2023

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Coming off a year that saw the Houston Texans make significant moves in the 2023 NFL Draft, this season is shaping up to be a year of promise and opportunity. The team has embraced a new direction under Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans and is geared up to take a leap forward in performance with the arrival of potential franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud and star defensive player Will Anderson Jr. from Ohio State and Alabama respectively.

Houston Texans Schedule 2023

WeekDateOpponentKickoff timeTV
1Sept. 10at Baltimore Ravens1 p.m. ETCBS
2Sept. 17vs. Indianapolis Colts1 p.m. ETFox
3Sept. 24at Jacksonville Jaguars1 p.m. ETFox
4Oct. 1vs. Pittsburgh Steelers1 p.m. ETCBS
5Oct. 8at Atlanta Falcons1 p.m. ETFox
6Oct. 15vs. New Orleans Saints1 p.m. ETFox
7Oct. 22BYE WEEK––
8Oct. 29at Carolina Panthers1 p.m. ETFox
9Nov. 5vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers1 p.m. ETCBS
10Nov. 12at Cincinnati Bengals1 p.m. ETCBS
11Nov. 19vs. Arizona Cardinals1 p.m. ETCBS
12Nov. 26vs. Jacksonville Jaguars1 p.m. ETCBS
13Dec. 3vs. Denver Broncos4:05 p.m. ETCBS
14Dec. 10at New York Jets1 p.m. ETCBS
15Dec. 17at Tennessee Titans1 p.m. ETCBS
16Dec. 24vs. Cleveland Browns1 p.m. ETCBS
17Dec. 31vs. Tennessee Titans1 p.m. ETFox
18Jan. 6/7at Indianapolis ColtsTBDTBD

Offseason Developments

The most significant developments of the offseason for the Texans were their first two picks in the NFL Draft. With the second overall pick, they selected quarterback C.J. Stroud from Ohio State, hoping he could be the franchise’s new cornerstone. The team then traded up to pick again at No. 3, this time selecting the top defensive player of the draft class, Alabama EDGE defender Will Anderson Jr. These selections have injected fresh hope into the fanbase, as the team looks to turn around its fortunes.

Analysis of the Season

Playing in the AFC South, one of the weaker divisions in the NFL last year, gives the Texans a chance to make significant progress this season. Still, the team’s overall competitiveness in 2023 remains to be seen. With new players and a new coach, the team will need time to gel and find its rhythm. Crucial matchups against the Ravens, Bengals, and Jets could serve as early indicators of how far the team has come in its development.

Strength of Schedule

Houston’s 2023 schedule is rated the sixth-easiest in the NFL according to Sharp Football Analysis, with their opponents having a combined 103-133-1 record last season (a 43.4% winning percentage). The Texans will face four teams that went to the playoffs last season and only two teams that won 10 or more games. This relatively less daunting schedule could give the team a chance to rack up some wins and build momentum.

Key Matchups

Texans vs. Ravens (Week 1)

The Texans start their season with a high-stakes game against the Baltimore Ravens in the first week of NFL. The Ravens, having made significant upgrades in their offense with players like Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Zay Flowers, present a dynamic challenge that the Texans defense must contain. For Houston to come out on top, they’ll need to leverage their newly formed core of players, including C.J. Stroud. This opening game could set the momentum for the Texans’ season and provide an essential early indicator of their turnaround capabilities.

Texans vs. Bengals (Week 10)

In Week 10, the Texans face off against one of the NFL’s top contenders, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, known for their potent offense and solid defense, will undoubtedly push the Texans to their limits. Success for the Texans will hinge on their young quarterback C.J. Stroud’s ability to maneuver through the Bengals’ defense and their offensive line’s ability to protect him. This mid-season match could be a reality check for the Texans and a critical measure of their progress under new management.

Texans vs. Jets (Week 14)

The Texans encounter a formidable opponent in the New York Jets in Week 14. With the Jets’ top-tier defense and the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they present a significant challenge. To pull off a victory, the Texans must utilize their potential rushing attack effectively and manage to keep Rodgers off the field. Despite a tough season, this game could offer an opportunity for the Texans to surprise the critics and show signs of a potential comeback.

Predicted Season Outcome

Given the easier strength of schedule and promising draft picks, the Texans could be in for an improved season. However, the team is still in its rebuilding phase, and expecting a playoff berth might be a stretch. A reasonable prediction for the Texans would be a 5-12 season.

Conclusion

The 2023 season for the Houston Texans is about building for the future. With new coach DeMeco Ryans, promising young talent in C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., and an easier schedule, the Texans have a golden opportunity to make strides towards sustainable success. This year will provide a crucial gauge of how well the team’s rebuilding efforts are progressing. While the Texans may not be playoff contenders just yet, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Houston as they kick off their 2023 campaign.

FAQS

Who are the key new players for the Texans in 2023?

The Texans made significant moves in the 2023 NFL Draft, picking up potential franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud from Ohio State and star defensive player Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama.

What are the Texans’ key matchups in the 2023 season?

The key matchups for the Texans in 2023 will be against the Baltimore Ravens (Week 1), Cincinnati Bengals (Week 10), and New York Jets (Week 14).

How are the Texans expected to perform in the 2023 season?

While the team is still in its rebuilding phase, given their easier strength of schedule and promising draft picks, the Texans are expected to have an improved season. A reasonable prediction would be a 5-12 season.

James Idayi
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