Quick Hit Thoughts on the Houston Texans' Schedule

The NFL has released the 2012 schedule for the Houston Texans.

I'll post a game-by-game prediction for the Texans in the next few days, but here are my quick hit thoughts.

• Murderer's Row. The Texans face three brutal road games in succession against teams that had a winning record in 2011. The Lions, Titans, and Patriots are tough teams to line up in row away from home. The Texans will do well if they can salvage a win in this stretch.

• Drive for the Playoffs. Houston gets to tee off against the Colts and Vikings the last three weeks of the season. Right after the toughest stretch comes the easiest. It would have been nice for them to play Indy early in the year, but if the Texans have any must-win situations late in the year, they ought to be able to take advantage.

• Nowhere to Hide. When you win a division and a playoff game, you get attention. The nation will get a chance to get familiar with the Texans in 2012, as Houston gets the spotlight five times. None of the games are in danger of being flexed out either.

Here is the full schedule:

Week 1: Miami

Week 2: @ Jacksonville

Week 3: @ Denver

Week 4: Tennessee

Week 5: @ New York Jets (Monday Night Football)

Week 6: Green Bay (Sunday Night Football)

Week 7: Baltimore

Week 8: Bye

Week 9: Buffalo

Week 10: @ Chicago (Sunday Night Football)

Week 11: Jacksonville

Week 12: @ Detroit (Thanksgiving)

Week 13: @ Tennessee

Week 14: @ New England (Monday Night Football)

Week 15: Indianapolis

Week 16: Minnesota

Week 17: @ Indianapolis