In my last season prediction article for the Texans, we discussed weeks 9-12 of the NFL season. With training camps starting up, I wanted to wrap up this four part mini series and discuss weeks 13-17 of the Texans season. So far, I have predicted the Texans going 9-3 throughout the first 12 weeks, which is definitely a bold prediction now that I think about it, but I do believe that the team is able to have that hot start with their schedule.

Week 13- Texans vs Jaguars

In the Week 4 matchup between the Texans and the Jaguars, I had the Texans winning the game due to the Texans outmatching the Jaguars in most positional battles. The NFL, however, is known for being a league of “any given Sunday”, meaning that anything can happen in one game, which has been seen throughout the history of the league. In this case, I still do have the Texans winning this game, but due to the teams being AFC rivals and the Texans being the visiting team, I could see a world where they end but being out dueled by the Jaguars. I still see the Texans winning this game, though, which moves their record to 10-3.

Week 15- Dolphins vs Texans

With a needed Week 14 bye, the Texans will be set to face Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins at NRG stadium. The Dolphins had a powerhouse on offense last year, with them ranking as the highest yard per game team in the NFL. With Tua Tagovaliloa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert as your offensive weapons, it seems almost expected that the Dolphins would lead the league in yards per game. The Dolphins offensive will no doubt be a test for the Texans defensive secondary and front line. With the additions that the Texans made in Danielle Hunter and Kamari Lassiter, I do think that the Texans will be able to hone down on defense, which will ultimately allow them to win this matchup. I do think the game will be a very close one, but I think that the Texans will have the ability to beat the Dolphins because of their improved team on both defense and offense. With this win, the Texans will be 11-3 overall and most likely a top 2-3 seed in the AFC.

Week 16- Texans vs Chiefs

The matchup I’ve been waiting for since the breakout season C.J. Stroud had, the Texans will be facing the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Obviously, the main headline for this game will be the matchup between Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud, but something I will be looking at is how the Texans’ offensive line adapts to blocking a defensive monster in Chris Jones. I expect Bobby Slowik to come in the game with a strategic plan on Chris Jones, most likely with the idea to double team him. Even with the improvements the Texans have made in this offseason, I still don’t think they will be able to topple the Chiefs mainly because of Patrick Mahomes. This will move the Texans to a record of 11-4, which will comfortably put them first in the AFC South.

Week 17- Ravens vs Texans (Christmas)

The Ravens and Texans faced each other last in the AFC Divisional game, where the Texans lost to the Ravens 34-10. The Ravens defensive front that game seemed to over power the Texans’ offensive line, and this led to C.J. Stroud not having much time to operate or having to scramble outside the pocket. Obviously, the Texans had an injury riddled offensive line for basically the entire season last year, but they seemed to fall apart in their last game of the season. Looking at this year, the Ravens still have Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Roquan Smith on their team and they just added free agent running back Derrick Henry. The hard part for other teams game planning for the Ravens is going to be the fact that the Ravens now have the ability to run different option plays, depending if they want speed or power. Looking at the overarching story, I do think the Ravens will take this game, which will put the Texans at a 11-5 record, still very solid overall.

Image of Ravens’ linebacker Roquan Smith. Courtesy of baltimorebeatdown.com.

Week 18- Texans vs Titans

In the last game of the season, I expect the Texans to be in first place in the AFC South, but I expect there to be some competition from either the Colts or Jaguars. I think the Titans are a solid team all around, but I don’t think their current quarterback play in Will Levis will be able to propel them above the Texans. In the previous matchup between the teams (Week 12), I had the Texans taking the win, but the Titans still have a lot of solid additions that could help them in competing in this game. Firstly, adding cornerback L’Jarius Sneed gives the defense a star secondary player that they can rely on in the pass game. Adding Calvin Ridley allows for a deep speed threat for Will Levis and gives De’Andre Hopkins more space to operate in the field. That being said, though, I still have the Texans taking the dub, moving their record to 12-5 to end the season.

Overall Prediction

With the Texans ending 12-5 in my prediction, I think this will give them the first spot in the AFC South as well as finishing as one of the top 2-3 seeds in the AFC. I think that the Texans will be much improved heading into the season, and I think that they will match the hype everyone is giving them.