2018 Houston Texans Schedule: Full Listing of Dates, Times and TV Info

The Houston Texans are coming off a disappointing 4-12 campaign that ended a modest streak of two straight playoff appearances.

Injuries played a key role in the drop off after back-to-back AFC South titles. Houston lost its two most important players as defensive end J.J. Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg after five appearances and quarterback Deshaun Watson tore his ACL in practice seven games into a terrific rookie campaign.

Keeping them healthy throughout the 2018 campaign will be the most important factor in the Texans' success. They are tied for the tied-ninth-best Super Bowl odds (22-1), per OddsShark, which showcases their upside despite winning just four games last year.

So let's check out all of the important information for the team's schedule following its Thursday release, per NFL.com. That's followed by a closer examination of the Texans' outlook for the upcoming season.

Texans' 2018 Schedule

Week 1: at New England Patriots on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 2: at Tennessee Titans on Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 3: vs. New York Giants on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX

Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 5: vs. Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 7 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC

Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills on Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 7: at Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins on Oct. 25 at 8:20 p.m. ET on FOX/NFL Network

Week 9: at Denver Broncos on Nov. 4 at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: at Washington Redskins on Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 12: vs. Titans on Nov. 26 at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN

Week 13: vs. Cleveland Browns on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 14: vs. Colts on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 15: at New York Jets on Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network

Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Week 17: vs. Jaguars on Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS

Analysis

Health is a much bigger question mark for the Texans heading into next season than talent.

Along with Watt and Watson, running back D'Onta Foreman is trying to work his way back to full strength before the regular season after suffering an Achilles injury. He was making a push to overtake Lamar Miller as the team's starter before the setback.

All three key contributors are rehabbing major injuries. So not only is it a question of getting back on the field, but also their level of effectiveness once they're cleared for action.

A drop off from any of that trio, particularly Watt and Watson, would significantly reduce the team's margin for error. And it's rare for a roster to make it through a season without some other impact injuries along the way.

If the Texans can stave off the injury bug, they are a squad with Super Bowl upside.

Pivotal Matchups

The schedule should work in Houston's favor as it attempts to make a return to the postseason.

While the Texans feature two of the toughest games any team will face in 2018, road clashes with the Super Bowl counterpart Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, the other 14 games are far more favorable, especially in terms of the home schedule.

It's possible Houston could go 8-0 at NRG Stadium, and it shouldn't be any worse than 6-2 based on the opponents it is set to face. That's always a nice advantage.

The most important contests will likely be the road games against AFC South divisional foes.

If the Texans can go at least 2-1 in their battles with the Jaguars, Colts and Titans away from home, they will be on the fast track to the division title.

Again, the team's fate will depend heavily on the health of Watson and Watt. But the slate leaves the door open for Houston to match or exceed its franchise-best 12-4 record from 2012 if everything falls into place.