Houston Texans: Complete 2011 Season Schedule Preview

The Houston Texans finished with a disappointing 6-10 record last season and failed to make the playoffs once again.

This year they hope to finally get over that hump with one of the leagues best offenses and hopefully an improved defense. Texans fans have been waiting the last couple years for a playoff berth just to be disappointed. Will this finally be the year?

Here is your Houston Texans schedule breakdown for the 2011 season.

September 11 vs Indianapolis

Houston trails the series (2-16)

As you can see the Texans have not had much success against the Colts. Every year they are considered contenders for the division next to the Colts but something always goes wrong.

Last season it was the pass defense, which ranked dead last in the league. It must improve fast or they will find themselves on the losing end to Peyton Manning and company, again.

September 18 at Miami

Houston leads the series (5-0)

Every time these two teams meet you can expect a close game. Houston has won all five games but the margin of victory has been a combined 14 points.

This game should be no different as Houston's offense vs Miami's defense should be a fascinating match up. Having two of the leagues top receivers in Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall doesn't hurt either.

September 25 @ New Orleans

Series is tied at (1-1)

This game is a lot like the first one, a team that loves to pass the ball, with a great quarterback, and the Texans can't defend it. If that's the case this game could get ugly, especially in New Orleans.

It could result in a shootout but in the end the Saints will be able to get stops with the better defense.

October 2 vs Pittsburgh

Houston trails the series (1-2)

This tough schedule the Texans are going through is really going to test them as a team. Facing the AFC champions in the Pittsburgh Steelers is no different.

Houston has loads of talent but are they a complete enough team to beat a team like the Steelers? We shall see.

Otctober 9 vs Oakland

Houston leads the series (5-1)

The Texans beat the Raiders last season with a score of 31-24. Although the Raiders are a team on the rise, these are still games that Houston has to win if they want to be taken seriously.

Both teams that many have making the playoffs this season, the loser may look back at this game at the end of the year.

October 16 at Baltimore

Houston trails the series (0-4)

Doesn't get any easier for the Texans, as they hit the road to play a veteran Baltimore Ravens team. Houston showed they can play with them when they lost a heart breaker in overtime last season, as two Matt Schaub turnovers was the difference.

This should be another, well fought game that features two of the best power backs in the league in Arian Foster and Ray Rice.

October 23 at Tennessee

Houston trails the series (5-13)

Houston is starting to have some success against the Titans lately winning three of the last five games. Taking advantage of rookie quarterback Jake Locker will be the key to this game. 

This is a much easier game than the previous six but it's a must win if Houston expects to stay in the division race.

October 30 vs Jacksonville

Series is tied at (9-9)

Back to back division games against rookie quarterbacks? Whether Blaine Gabbert will start for the Jaguars is still up for debate but David Garrard has shown he is not the answer for Jacksonville.

Regardless of who starts for Jacksonville, Houston make take advantage of a team they are clearly better then.

November 6 vs Cleveland

Series is tied at (3-3)

This would've been a gimmie game until last year when running back Peyton Hillis came out of nowhere and gave the Browns some hope.

This game is still in Houston and the Texans are overall the better team. Cleveland has a young quarterback in Colt McCoy and if the Texans secondary can't stop him, they're doomed.

November 13 at Tampa Bay

Series is tied at (1-1)

Tampa Bay was that surprise team last year and quarterback Josh Freeman is growing right between our eyes. The Buccaneers don't play flashy but always find themselves in every game and find ways to win games.

With this game being in a hot, tough environment in Tampa Bay, Houston is going to have to run the ball well. Manage the game and get out with the victory is the key.

November 27 at Jacksonville

Series is tied at (9-9)

By this time in the season Blaine Gabbert should be the starter for Jacksonville, which is good news for Houston.

Coming off the bye week, facing a one dimensional team and a rookie quarterback. Can't get much better for Houston at this point.

December 4 vs Atlanta

Series is tied at (1-1)

Two teams that have probably the most balanced offenses in the NFL. This one could become a shootout, so get your popcorn ready.

Atlanta's secondary wasn't exactly good last season either.

December 11 at Cincinnati

Houston trails the series (2-3)

Another game against a team that is having quarterback problems. Carson Palmer is expected to retire if he isn't traded, so that would leave rookie Andy Dalton taking over.

No matter who is quarterbacking for the Bengals the Texans should win this game. It's a mess in Cincinnati.

December 18 vs Carolina

Houston leads the series (2-0)

Another game the Texans must win if they expect to make playoffs. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton may be a human highlight reel but he is not good enough to beat this Texans team.

The Panthers will have to wait for another time to beat Houston.

December 22 @ Indianapolis

Houston trails the series (2-16)

Houston heading to Indianapolis for a game in December may be a game that decides the AFC South.

Once again, in order to beat Peyton Manning the Texans are going to have to play defense. The Colts are normally stacked with injuries around this time of the year as well. If both are the case the Texans have a chance.

January 1 vs Tennessee

Houston trails the series (5-13)

If the Texans are out of the division race heading into this game, they may still be in the wild card hunt. making this a must win game.

Chris Johnson is hard to stop, but won't be able to put up the amount of points the Texans are capable of. Houston wins in a blowout at home to close out the regular season.

Overall

The Texans first six games of the season are brutal with match ups against the Colts, Dolphins, Saints, Steelers, Raiders and Ravens. It should be no worries though, because if you want to be a playoff caliber team you have to be capable of beating other playoff teams.

When the Texans are clicking on all cylinders they have one of the top offenses in the league. Defense is the huge question mark with this team. You can't make the playoffs when your secondary is the worst in the league. The hire of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is an upgrade but can it improve that much?

Regardless, you have to like this team earning a wild card spot and pushing the Colts for a possible division crown.