Houston Texans 2011 Schedule: 5 Games You Don't Wanna Miss

The Houston Texans have an exciting, highly potent offense and are looking at some big match-ups against tough competition this year.

Wide receiver Andre Johnson is the face of an offense that features top-five players at quarterback, Matt Schaub, and running back, Arian Foster.

Also, when healthy, this offense has tight end Owen Daniels, who looks to return to the form he was in a few years back before injuries slowed down his career.

With a new-look defense with new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and the off-season free-agent signings of cornerback Jonathan Joseph and safety Danieal Manning, the Texans hope they can get to the  next step: the playoffs.

Here are five games this season that look to be very exciting.

Week 1: Vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Peyton Manning–led Indianapolis Colts come into Houston in week one for a match-up against their division foe.

Wait.

The Kerry Collins–led Indianapolis Cots, you say?

Just to see who is under center for Indianapolis will be enough for fans to want to watch this one.

Peyton Manning was removed from the physically unable to perform list but is still not sure if he will be ready for week one.

The Texans look to come out of the gate with a big win against the Colts and make a statement.

However, if Manning is not playing, the statement will be a quiet one.

If Manning is there, we know what he is capable of, and a true shootout might be in order, as both these offenses can easily put 30+ points on the board. 

Week 3: @ New Orleans Saints

This will be an exciting match-up to watch.

Not only does New Orleans feature quarterback Drew Brees, but they also have rookie running back Mark Ingram and a newcomer, running back Darren Sproles.

It will be interesting to see how Ingram's talents translate to the NFL, and if the veteran Sproles can still produce.

This will also be a good game to test the new-look Texans' defense. 

This game, like the game against the Colts, has the potential for some fireworks.

Brees is an amazing quarterback, easily amongst the best, and can join Schaub in a display of elite offenses.

This match-up could have implications, as both these teams are playoff contenders.

Week 4: Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This match-up does not feature two elite offenses, even though the Steelers are still pretty good.

The defending AFC champs will look to come into Houston and do some damage.

Pittsburgh has a very good defense featuring safety Troy Polamalu and linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

They were second in the NFL in sacks behind the Green Bay Packers, and they needed every one of them.

Their cornerback situation is not all that good. Despite re-signing Ike Taylor, they have plenty of deficiencies at the position.

Bryant McFadden was not very good last year, allowing six touchdowns and 67 percent of passes thrown his way to be completed.

Houston will have to find a way to get their offense going against this tough defense.

If left tackle Duane Brown and company can keep Schaub protected, he and Andre Johnson should have a field day with Pittsburgh's secondary.

This is a classic match-up of elite offense versus elite defense and should be a fun to watch.

Week 10: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman was quietly one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL last year. He passed for 3,451 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.

LeGarrette Blount was able to rack up over 1,000 rushing yards, averaging 5 yards per carry.

This offense looks to really break out onto the scene in 2011. As this offense grows and matures, it will be very interesting to see if they are a team that can continue to get better.

As a team last year, Tamba Bay also had a pretty solid defense.

A lot of stats did not look great: they were near the bottom in fumbles forced and recovered, rushing yards allowed, and total yards allowed.

However, they were in the top ten in points allowed in the NFL last year.

I am interested in seeing if this Buccaneer squad can continue this trend.

Week 13: Vs. Atlanta Falcons

This would be a nice win for the Texans and should be a good showdown.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons look to get back to their 13-win season and avoid the demons of the Green Bay Packer loss in their first-round playoff match up.

This game should have some pretty serious playoff implications.

The Falcons could be in a race with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints for their division.

Ryan leads a solid offense in Atlanta. He had an impressive 28–9 touchdown–interception ratio, along with a respectable 3,700 yards passing.

They also look to get Michael Turner to churn out yet another solid year, although there is cause for concern as he had a career-low in average yards per carry and is 29 years old. That is pretty old for a running back. 

They may look for Jason Snelling to play more this year, although he had an undesirable 3.7  yards per carry last year. Atlanta may give rookie Jacquizz Rodgers some carries to help reduce the wear and tear on Turner.