Houston Texans Should Shine in 4 Primetime Games

Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, September 15th, ABC

The first primetime game of the season comes in Week 2, just like last season.

This time, it is against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It has been two seasons since the Texans played the Bucs, when the Texans won a shootout game 39-37 in 2023. It was a high-flying offensive bout that left the crowds wanting more and really established what CJ Stroud brought to the team.

Both teams came from a 10-7 2024 season that saw them take the AFC and NFC South division titles. The Texans are looking to start the season off strong after a disappointing performance against Kansas City in the playoffs. Getting a crack at one of the NFC’s better teams is a way to get started on improving from last season.

Week 7: @ Seattle Seahawks, October 20th, ESPN+

The first game against the Seattle Seahawks since 2021 will be at Lumen Field.

The Seahawks are coming off a 10-7 season in Mike Macdonald’s first season. That record saw them just outside the playoff picture in the NFC. With new quarterback Sam Darnold, they will be looking to compete in a log-jammed NFC West.

This will be a good test of the Houston Texans’ loaded defense and revamped offense. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley came from the Rams, so he will know how to plan for Seattle. And DeMeco Ryans‘ time with San Francisco will be valuable as well. The Texans will also benefit greatly that this Monday Night game is coming off their bye week, so the team will be rested and ready to go. A rested team on a west coast flight will get every opportunity to shut down the potent offense Seattle hopes to have.

Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills, November 20th, Amazon Prime

A rematch of last year’s Week 5 matchup, the AFC runner-up will look to avenge their 23-20 loss.

Another wonderful test in primetime, this time against a conference opponent. The Bills will be hoping that MVP quarterback Josh Allen is more prepared for the Texans’ high-powered defense.

The Texans, on the other hand, will be looking to keep the reigning MVP at bay. Houston proved last season that they can compete and beat some of the AFC’s best teams. CJ Stroud and company will have to start proving they can compete and beat them regularly to show the Texans are taking that next step. Buffalo’s defense will be ready to attack, and it will look to be another tough game on Battle Red Day.

Week 14: @ Kansas City Chiefs, December 7th, NBC

Ending the primetime slate with the back-to-back-to-back AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

The Texans had two cracks at them in 2024, both resulting in losses. The Week 16 matchup was competitive until wide receiver Tank Dell went down with his devastating knee injury that sucked the energy out of the team. The divisional round playoff game was anything but competitive, leading to the Texans’ trend of not advancing past Round 2.

This season may prove different. The Chiefs’ offensive line lost a key piece in Joe Thuney, who was incredibly versatile for them. They lost wide receivers Justin Watson (Texans) and DeAndre Hopkins (Ravens), which sapped the veterans from Patrick Mahomes. And former Texans and Chiefs safety Justin Reid departed for the Saints.

If Nick Caley can improve the offense, the Texans may finally have a chance against the Chiefs.