The Houston Texans seek to defend their AFC South title, but they will have to go through the rest of the division along with the NFC South and AFC West to get it done. They will also have to face the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots as part of their same-place finisher schedule, which adds to the challenge of getting back to the postseason.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson enters his third NFL season and is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign. He should have a full receiving corps as All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins will be flanked by speedy No. 2 Will Fuller and slot receiver Keke Coutee.
Defensive end J.J. Watt will be 30 years old, but he doesn’t appear to be slipping out of his prime. The defense has question marks as edge defender Jadeveon Clowney has yet to show up after being franchise-tagged.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time | |
| 1 | Mon., Sept. 9 | @ | Saints | 6:10 p.m. |
| 2 | Sun., Sept. 15 | vs | Jaguars | Noon |
| 3 | Sun., Sept. 22 | @ | LA Chargers | 3:25 p.m. |
| 4 | Sun., Sept. 29 | vs | Panthers | Noon |
| 5 | Sun., Oct. 6 | vs | Falcons | Noon |
| 6 | Sun., Oct. 13 | @ | Chiefs | Noon |
| 7 | Sun., Oct. 20 | @ | Colts | Noon |
| 8 | Sun., Oct. 27 | vs | Raiders | Noon |
| 9 | Sun., Nov. 3 | @ | Jaguars (London) | 8:30 a.m. |
| 10 | BYE | |||
| 11 | Sun., Nov. 17 | @ | Ravens | Noon |
| 12 | Thurs., Nov. 21 | vs | Colts | 7:20 p.m. |
| 13 | Sun., Dec. 1 | vs | Patriots | 7:20 p.m. |
| 14 | Sun., Dec. 8 | vs | Broncos | Noon |
| 15 | Sun., Dec. 15 | @ | Titans | Noon |
| 16 | Sun., Dec. 22 | @ | Buccaneers | Noon |
| 17 | Sun., Dec. 29 | vs | Titans | Noon |
