The NFL offseason may be in full swing, but the path to Super Bowl glory is already taking shape. With the 2026 schedule officially released Thursday night, all 32 teams now know exactly what lies ahead on their quest for the Lombardi Trophy. For the Houston Texans, entering Year 4 of the DeMeco Ryans era, the road is paved with both familiar foes and formidable challenges.

The Texans will navigate a gauntlet that includes their AFC South rivals—twice—starting with a marquee international showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Beyond divisional battles, Houston's schedule features cross-division matchups against the AFC North and NFC East, plus two additional games against fellow second-place finishers from 2025: the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers. It's a slate that will test the team's mettle from Week 1 onward.

According to DraftKings, here's how the win projections shake out for every NFL team heading into the 2026 season. The Texans' journey kicks off with a bang in Week 1 against the Bills on CBS, followed by a home clash with the Bengals. Key highlights include a Week 4 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, a London trip in Week 6, and a Thursday night divisional rematch against the Colts in Week 11. The regular season closes with a tough stretch featuring the Ravens, Steelers, Commanders, and Eagles—a sequence that could define Houston's playoff hopes.

Whether you're eyeing a deep playoff run or just hoping to see your team exceed expectations, the 2026 schedule offers plenty of storylines to follow. For Texans fans, the mix of prime-time games and international exposure signals a team on the rise—and a season worth watching closely.