In the Spotlight: Houston Texans Look Ready to Challenge for AFC Crown

The Houston Texans enter 2026 attempting to turn three consecutive trips to the divisional playoffs into the franchise’s first AFC Championship game appearance. Houston went 12-5 last season, matching the best regular-season record in franchise history and finishing with a team-record plus-109 point differential. The Texans beat Pittsburgh 30-6 in the Wild Card round before falling 28-16 at New England. C.J. Stroud remains at the center of Houston’s Super Bowl hopes. The fourth-year quarterback threw for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025, but seven postseason turnovers contributed to another early playoff exit.

What to Watch

Houston’s biggest question remains the offense. Nico Collins returns as Stroud’s top receiving option, but Tank Dell will begin the season on injured reserve. The initial roster also includes Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson at receiver. The running game received a significant addition when Houston acquired David Montgomery from Detroit. The veteran joins Woody Marks and British Brooks in a backfield that could take some pressure off Stroud. Houston again reworked its offensive line, using its first-round pick on Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge. The Texans also added veterans Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller, while Nathan Thomas arrived in a late-August trade with Dallas. The defense remains the team’s strength. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter lead the pass rush, while Derek Stingley Jr. anchors the secondary. Houston allowed only 295 points in 2025, second-fewest in the AFC.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks have Houston favored to reclaim the AFC South despite Jacksonville winning the division last season. DraftKings, BetRivers, and other books listed the Texans around +105 to win the division as of Sept. 1. Houston was +870 to win the AFC and +1800 to win the Super Bowl. The regular-season win total is 9.5, with Over 9.5 at -146 and Under 9.5 at +124. Houston has exceeded its preseason win total in each of DeMeco Ryans’ first three seasons as head coach.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 12-5, second in AFC South; reached divisional playoffs.
• Key players to watch: C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, David Montgomery, Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair.
• Expected starting QB: C.J. Stroud.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: David Montgomery, Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller, Nathan Thomas and first-round G Keylan Rutledge.
• Betting odds to win AFC South: +105.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +870.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +1800.
• Win totals over/under: 9.5 wins — Over -146 / Under +124.

2026-27 Houston Texans Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 13	vs. Buffalo Bills	1:00 p.m.	CBS
2	Sept. 20	vs. Cincinnati Bengals	1:00 p.m.	CBS
3	Sept. 27	at Indianapolis Colts	1:00 p.m.	CBS
4	Oct. 4	vs. Dallas Cowboys	1:00 p.m.	FOX
5	Oct. 11	at Tennessee Titans	1:00 p.m.	CBS
6	Oct. 18	vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)	9:30 a.m.	NFL Network
7	Oct. 25	vs. New York Giants	1:00 p.m.	FOX
8	—	BYE	—	—
9	Nov. 8	at Los Angeles Chargers	4:05 p.m.	CBS
10	Nov. 15	at Cleveland Browns	1:00 p.m.	FOX
11	Nov. 19	vs. Indianapolis Colts	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
12	Nov. 29	vs. Baltimore Ravens	1:00 p.m.	CBS
13	Dec. 6	at Pittsburgh Steelers	8:20 p.m.	NBC
14	Dec. 13	at Washington Commanders	1:00 p.m.	CBS
15	Dec. 20	vs. Jacksonville Jaguars	1:00 p.m.	CBS
16	Dec. 24	at Philadelphia Eagles	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
17	Jan. 4	at Green Bay Packers	8:15 p.m.	ESPN
18	TBD	vs. Tennessee Titans	TBD	TBD

Houston’s schedule includes an international game against Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium and three scheduled prime-time appearances. The Texans close with consecutive road games against Philadelphia and Green Bay before returning home to face Tennessee.