Houston Texans

Houston Texans: Staff predictions for each game in 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The members of the Toro Times take their best guess at how each game will work out for the Houston Texans in 2016, including a predicted final record

The Houston Texans are just days away from kicking off their season. 2016 will be a chance for them to defend their AFC South crown, a title they won on the heels of their second-straight 9-7 season.

Head coach Bill O’Brien enters his third season as the head coach of the Texans, but this season is actually a first for him. For the first time coach BOB has himself a staring quarterback he can trust in Brock Osweiler.

The past two seasons the starter wasn’t named until Preseason Week 3. This season Osweiler was the man from the get-go. That could be huge for Houston.

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They also added more deep threats in rookies Will Fuller and Braxton Miller. Defensively they should remain as strong as ever.

But what will their final record be? Can they repeat as champs in the South?

The writers here at the Toro Times do their best to predict answers to those questions with this season preview.

Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) makes the call at the line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Predictions:

Week 1 Chicago – Win

The Texans open the season with a home win against a team that simply isn’t very good. A win is a win, so they take it gladly. Quarterback Brock Osweiler starts to silence some of his critics with a strong outing. The defense will struggle a little thanks to J.J. Watt missing all of the preseason, but this is a good team to work the kinks out on.

Record 1-0

Week 2 Kansas City – Win

Revenge time! The team that stared 2015 out on a sour note and ended it on one as well for Houston comes to town again. The 2016 version of the Texans will be ready and they will feel good about sticking it to the Chiefs.

Record 2-0

Week 3 at New England – Loss

I know Tom Brady won’t play for the Patriots, but Jimmy Garoppolo is no slouch. Also, the Pats have a highly underrated defense. If this were a home game, Houston would get the W, but New England takes a close one here.

Record 2-1

Week 4 Tennessee – Win

The Tennessee Titans are a much improved team from last season. However, they were awful last season so losing close games would be an improvement. They still can’t compete on the road with the Texans, especially after a long week for Houston thanks to the Pats game being a Thursday nighter.

Record 3-1

Week 5 at Minnesota – Win

If the Vikings don’t find a quarterback better than Shaun Hill they are in for a long season. The Teddy Bridgewater injury is incredibly unfortunate and Minnesota will be outmatched here.

Record 4-1

Week 6 Indianapolis – Loss

The Colts won’t be as good as everyone thinks, but they steal one here as the Texans are riding a high from their quick start. Luck finds enough holes in the secondary to take advantage and get the win.

Record 4-2

Week 7 at Denver – Win

Monday Night Football! The Denver Broncos may be Super Bowl champs, but they’re starting Trevor Siemian at quarterback. Houston gets the last laugh in the Osweiler signing in a landslide.

Record 5-2

Week 8 Detroit – Win

Another big win for the Texans here as things are starting out exactly like they want. The Lions will be in full free-fall mode thanks to their atrocious coach and Houston takes advantage.

Record 6-2

Week 9 BYE

Week 10 at Jacksonville – Loss

Another long break before taking on an AFC South foe as the Jaguars host Houston following the bye. Jacksonville however is not the same team as last season. Their defense should be better and their receiving duo is tough. Look for the Jags to be in the race for the AFC South crown and they keep it close with this win.

Record 6-3

Week 11 at Oakland (in Mexico City) – Loss

Oakland is another quickly improving team. Their defense is getting stronger and they have a young QB in Derek Carr that can light things up. They get a win in Mexico City to keep their chances at the AFC West title alive.

Record 6-4

San Diego – Win

San Diego is not an improving team. They will probably be battling it out for the number one pick in the draft all season. Look for them to get some good positioning for that here.

Record 7-4

at Green Bay – Win

Upset alert! The Houston Texans got their signature upset last season when they took out the Cincinnati Bengals with their starting QB on the bench. This season their big win comes in Lambeau field. Sure, I have a strange disliking for the Packers, but that’s not the only reason for this upset. Houston has too much on offense and just enough on defense to take the Pack by storm and score the upset.

Record 8-4

at Indianapolis – Win

They’re gonna get used to winning in Indy. This will be the second season in a row the Texans take the game in the city they once couldn’t get a victory in. The Colts see their playoff hopes slipping away with this crushing AFC South defeat.

Record 9-4

Jacksonville – Win

Another split series as the Texans get the home win against the Jags. Much like their late season win in Indy last season, this victory puts them clearly in the drivers seat for the South title.

Record 10-4

Cincinnati – Loss

A setback here, but it’s not a huge one. Their past two AFC South wins keep them in control as Cincy is just the better team for this one night.

Record 10-5

at Tennessee – Win

The Texans wrap up a second straight AFC South title as they knock off the Titans on the road. By going 4-2 in the South they do just enough to outlast the upstart Jags and head into the playoffs with a real shot at having a Bye week. This team will surprise many in 2016!

Overall Record 11-5

Jul 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) plays catch with a child during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Writer: Josh McSwain

Predictions:

Week 1 Chicago – Win

This game will be closer than most people think. This will be Brock Osweiler’s first game against a real NFL defense as a Texan and he will make a couple mistakes, but so will Jay Cutler in a sloppy game. But ultimately the Bears secondary will not be able to slow down DeAndre Hopkins, who scores the winning touchdown.

Record 1-0

Week 2 Kansas City – Loss

After running through Houston twice last season, the Chiefs will not lack confidence in this game. But they will be lacking Justin Houston. They will struggle to get rush on Osweiler (depending on the health of the Texans offensive line), but Alex Smith will make just enough plays and the running game will seal the deal for the Chiefs.

Record 1-1

Week 3 at New England – Loss

Playing the Pats in Foxboro is never easy. It will be easier without Tom Brady in the lineup, but the Pats still have ways to hurt you. I think Jimmy Garappolo will be a serviceable replacement and just get it to Gronk enough times for them to eke out this win.

Record 1-2

Week 4 Tennessee – Win

The Titans are going to present a unique challenge for the Texans due to their power running game. They should be able to pound the rock with DeMarco Murray. Their bid to pull the upset comes down to whether Marcus Mariota can make plays against the stingy Texans secondary. I think he will throw three interceptions in this game, with one coming in the closing minutes in desperation. On the flip side, Osweiler should be able to light up a suspect Titans secondary.

Record 2-2

Week 5 at Minnesota – Win

The Texans will get their first win over the Vikings as Lamar Miller will have a big day against the Vikings suspect run defense. With no downfield threats and a quarterback in Shaun Hill that doesn’t have much arm strength, the Texans will play eight or nine in the box and contain Adrian Peterson.

Record 3-2

Week 6 Indianapolis – Win

Coming back home they score a big early win over one of their divisional opponents. J.J. Watt will have his first huge game of the season as he spearheads a defense that harasses Andrew Luck all day and leads Houston to a win.

Record 4-2

Week 7 at Denver – Loss

Back to Mile High for Brock Osweiler. The bright lights of Monday Night Football will be shining upon this one and the Denver defense gets to their old teammate and makes for a long night. This should be the best defensive struggle of the MNF slate, but the altitude will tire out the Texans defense first and allow the Broncos to take the win.

Record 4-3

Week 8 Detroit – Win

No Megatron=problem. Without one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, the Lions will have trouble moving the ball. Their poor offensive line will allow for a big day for the Texans pass rush as the Texans roll.

Record 5-3

Week 9 BYE

Week 10 at Jacksonville – Loss

The Jaguars are going to be better this season. It will start up front, where the offensive line will be able to better protect Blake Bortles, who must avoid turning the ball over. Hopkins had one of his best games last year in Jacksonville, but the Jags secondary is much improved and the home team will pull out a close win.

Record 5-4

Week 11 vs. Oakland (Mexico City) – Win

This one will be juicy. Young quarterback in Derek Carr and as talented of an offense as there in the league going against an excellent defense. The potential achilles heel of the Raiders will be their secondary, which will allow enough of an opportunity for Osweiler to make some big plays and steal a win. Travel will also have a large effect on both teams, which benefits the Texans because it’s a shorter trip from Houston.

Record 6-4

Week 12 San Diego – Loss

This seems like a quintessential letdown game for Houston, and I think the Chargers will have a considerable jump up this season. They were ravaged by injuries last year, and they still have a top 10 quarterback in Philip Rivers. So combine those two circumstances and the Chargers steal a win in Houston.

Record 6-5

Week 13 at Green Bay – Loss

The trip to the Frozen Tundra will be arguably the hardest game of the season. Aaron Rodgers was in his first year as a starter last time the Texans went to Lambeau, and they won that game. But this time with a full array of weapons at his disposal, Rodgers will have a big game, even against a tough Texans secondary.

Record 6-6

Week 14 at Indianapolis – Win

The Texans will get their first ever season sweep of the Colts this season. After losing two straight the Texans will be desperate for a win and go into Indy and get it. This will be a close game but as the Texans take the lead late and Andrew Luck tries to lead the Colts back, he throws a late interception that seals the win for Houston.

Record 7-6

Week 15 Jacksonville – Win

This will be a crucial game for both teams, who will be chasing the Colts in the standings. The Texans get revenge for the early season loss as they get to Bortles in this one and force the Jags into three turnovers that makes for a comfortable Houston win.

Record 8-6

Week 16 Cincinnati – Loss

The Bengals are going to be in the middle of a playoff race, fighting for the wild card after losing the division to the Steelers. In keeping their playoff hopes alive, they put a huge dent in those of the Texans. Jeremy Hill will have a big game in this one as the Bengals eke out this win.

Record 8-7

at Tennessee – Loss

The Texans will enter week 17 still with hope of winning the AFC South with some help. However, they will not hold up their end of the bargain as the Titans end their season playing spoiler for the Texans. The Titans are not as bad as last year’s record suggests, and with basically the full 2016 season under their belt they will be much improved.

Overall Record 8-8

Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs off the field after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the second half at NRG Stadium. Texans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Writer: Chad Washington

Week 1 vs. Chicago: Win

The Bears offense is a complete mess since Matt Forte left, and Jay Cutler is not a terrible quarterback, but he’s not really good either. I think Houston will try to establish a running game to help Brock Osweiler to get comfortable. J.J. Watt will struggle, but the linebackers will be able to get some good pressure on Cutler. I’m thinking a double-digit win.

Record: 1-0

Week 2 vs. Kansas City: Win

This will be a tight win. The Chiefs will not have Marcus Houston in this game, but their defense will still give the Texans some trouble. But I think the playmaking of rookie receivers like Will Fuller and Braxton Miller will help Houston to move the ball. I think the Texans will still have trouble keeping Jamaal Charles in check and KC will have a late lead before either a fourth-quarter touchdown or a late field goal will seal the win.

Record: 2-0

Week 3 at New England: Loss

I know Tom Brady won’t be there due to Deflategate, but Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t looked terrible in the preseason, and I think he will do enough to keep the Patriot offense going. Plus, the Texans don’t seem to play well on Thursday nights. Also, Bill Belichick is the mentor to Bill O’Brien, and the mentor is still the master.

Record: 2-1

Week 4 vs. Tennessee: Win

The Titans are a team that I feel could be a lot better than people are giving them credit for. But for now, I am going to say that Marcus Mariota is still adjusting to being an NFL quarterback and the Texans will pressure him to make some mistakes. Also, I can see Lamar Miller having a big day and DeAndre Hopkins doing damage to the Tennessee secondary.

Record: 3-1

Week 5 at Minnesota: Win

I was going to pencil this as a loss before Teddy Bridgewater’s knee injury, but now, I think the Texans can pull it out. The Vikings will rely on Adrian Peterson a lot to slow Houston’s pass rush, but I don’t see Sam Bradford or whoever is at QB doing a lot of damage. The Texans offense will struggle on the road, but I think they do just enough to pull out a tough road win.

Record: 4-1

Week 6 vs. Indianapolis: Loss

I really want to believe that Andrew Luck will be the same guy that struggled last season, but I know I will be wrong. Luck will be the difference as he picks apart the Texans secondary and T.Y. Hilton gets one big play to seal the win or at least put them on their way to the win. I also can see Osweiler having a big day as well, but not enough for the win.

Record: 4-2

Week 7 at Denver: Loss

Monday Night Football against the defending champs. I would love to see Osweiler stick it to John Elway, but I think Von Miller will disrupt the Houston offense and the Broncos will run the ball well at home. Gary Kubiak gets one over his former team.

Record: 4-3

Week 8 vs. Detroit: Win

No Megatron for the Lions means this will be a long season for them. The Texans should be able to keep their offense in check and move the ball against their defense. I can see Fuller having a big day for Houston.

Record: 5-3

Week 9: Bye Week

Week 10 at Jacksonville: Loss

I have big concerns that Jacksonville becomes a player in the AFC South. This game will be evidence of that as Allen Robinson makes big plays and the game becomes a shootout. I think the Jaguars will have one more bullet left due to a Blake Bortles pass late in the game for a score to put the game out of reach.

Record: 5-4

Week 11 vs. Oakland in Mexico City: Win

MNF in Mexico should see the Texans defense putting good pressure on Derek Carr and stifling the Raider attack. Meanwhile, Lamar Miller should have a big day running the ball as the Azteca Stadium field is made for a strong ground game.

Record: 6-4

Week 12 vs. San Diego: Win

The Chargers are still in flux on offense and I think Jadeveon Clowney will be able to put pressure on Phillip Rivers and disrupt the running attack. Really think Hopkins has a field day against a weak Charger secondary.

Record: 7-4

Week 13 at Green Bay: Loss

Playing at Lambeau Field in December is not fun, and I don’t expect this to be fun for the Texans. Aaron Rodgers plays well in cold weather, and I don’t see the Texans able to do well in the cold.

Record: 7-5

Week 14 at Indianapolis: Win

With a division title in the balance, I see the Texans putting together their best performance to get their second win at Lucas Oil Stadium in team history. Osweiler is sharp against a Colts secondary that is not great and the linebackers, including Brian Cushing, is solid in stopping the Indy running game.

Record: 8-5

Week 15 vs. Jacksonville: Win

Another key divisional game brings out the best of the Texans. Clowney gets a big sack of Bortles, Kareem Jackson does a better job of covering Robinson and Hopkins has a big day against the Jags defense. This one could wrap up an AFC South title for Houston.

Record: 9-5

Week 16 at Cincinnati: Win

I see Houston stealing one just like last year. The Bengals defense is tough, but the secondary makes a couple of interceptions of Andy Dalton to give the offense a short field. Lamar Miller has a good day as the Texans power to the playoffs.

Record: 10-5

Week 17 at Tennessee: Win

The Titans have nothing to play for, and the Texans either will have to play for the division title or home-field advantage in the playoffs. I can see the defense making some big plays while Osweiler continues to burn the Tennessee defense. Texans win big to gain momentum in the playoffs.

Overall Record: 11-5

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