In less than 50 days, the Houston Texans will take the field on the road, signaling real football being back on television for the first time in months on Sunday afternoon. The two-time defending AFC South champions open the regular season against the Houston Texans in Week 1, looking to set a new tone under C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans heading into Year 3.
Texans Wire will release its game-by-game predictions for the season later this week, but early expectations are for Houston to total one more win than 2024 and secure a third division title under the Pro Bowl quarterback. Following the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and hiring of Nick Caley, Stroud also is expected to have dominant season ahead of a new contract deal.
Even if we’re high on Houston’s chances to respond in the AFC South, everyone knows human error can cost wins and persona. But with artificial intelligence improving every day, Texans Wire thought it would be fun to see what AI thinks of the Texans after an unknown offseason filled with a slew of new but promising talent.
Texans asked xAI’s Grok chatbot to predict every game on the Rams’ schedule and it came back with an even better record: 13-4, with wins over the Rams, Bucs and Bills, among others. You’ll find Grok’s score predictions and breakdowns for each game below.
Week 1: @ Los Angeles Rams (Sep. 7, 3:25 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “The Texans open on the road against an NFC contender with the fifth-best odds to win the NFC (+1000). The Rams have a potent offense led by Matthew Stafford, but Houston’s defense, which allowed 21.3 points per game since 2023, can keep it close. C.J. Stroud’s ability to handle pressure will be tested, but the Texans’ balanced attack gives them an edge.” Prediction: Texans win, 24-20 (1-0)
Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sep. 15, 6:00 p.m. CDT, ABC, Primetime)
Grok’s breakdown: “A home primetime game against the NFC South champion Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s veteran-led team is solid, but Houston’s home-field advantage at NRG Stadium and Stroud’s clutch play should shine. The Texans’ defense handles Baker Mayfield’s offense effectively.” Prediction: Texans win, 27-17 (2-0)
Week 3: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Sep. 21, 12:00 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “The first divisional game against a Jaguars team that struggled in 2024. Houston’s defense exploits Trevor Lawrence’s inconsistencies, and the Texans’ offense capitalizes on a weaker Jaguars secondary.” Prediction: Texans win, 30-14 (3-0)
Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans (Sep. 28, 12:00 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “Another AFC South matchup at home. The Titans, likely starting Will Levis or rookie Cam Ward, are rebuilding and lack the firepower to match Houston’s offense. The Texans dominate at NRG Stadium.” Prediction: Texans win, 34-13 (4-0)
Week 5: @ Baltimore Ravens (Oct. 5, 12:00 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “A tough road game against the AFC North champion Ravens, who have been Houston’s kryptonite (0-3 under Ryans, outscored 90-21). Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability challenges the Texans’ defense, and Stroud struggles to find rhythm against Baltimore’s aggressive front.” Prediction: Ravens win, 28-17 (4-1)
Week 6: Bye Week
A well-timed bye allows the Texans to rest and prepare for a challenging stretch.
Week 7: @ Seattle Seahawks (Oct. 20, 9:00 p.m. CDT, Primetime, ESPN+)
Grok’s breakdown: Seattle’s home crowd and defensive schemes test Houston on the road. The Seahawks’ offense, led by Geno Smith or a new quarterback, struggles against Houston’s top-10 defense. The Texans pull out a close one with a late Stroud drive. Prediction: Texans win, 23-20 (5-1)
Week 8: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 26, 12:00 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “A home game against a strong NFC West team. The 49ers’ physicality and playmakers like Christian McCaffrey challenge Houston, but NRG Stadium’s energy and the Texans’ defensive front disrupt Brock Purdy. Houston edges out a tight game.” Prediction: Texans win, 27-24 (6-1)
Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos (Nov. 2, 12:00 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “Facing a top-5 opponent per some analysts, the Broncos’ defense, led by Sean Payton, is tough, but their offense, likely with Bo Nix, lacks consistency. Houston’s home dominance continues, and Stroud outplays his counterpart.” Prediction: Texans win, 24-16 (7-1)
Week 10: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Nov. 9, 12:00 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “The second meeting with the Jaguars at home. Houston’s familiarity with their divisional foe and strong home record (potentially favored in 8 of 9 home games) led to another comfortable win.” Prediction: Texans win, 31-20 (8-1)
Week 11: @ Tennessee Titans (Nov. 16, 12:00 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “On the road against the Titans, who remain a lower一rebuilding team. Houston’s defense overwhelms Tennessee’s offense, and Stroud’s playmakers take over.” Prediction: Texans win, 28-10 (9-1)
Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills (Nov. 20, 7:15 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “A marquee home game against the AFC East champion Bills. Josh Allen’s dual-threat play challenges Houston, but the Texans’ defense steps up, and Stroud matches Allen in a shootout. Home-field advantage tips the scales.” Prediction: Texans win, 30-27 (10-1)
Week 13: @ Indianapolis Colts (Nov. 30, 12:00 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “A divisional road game against a Colts team that added talent but struggles with consistency. Houston’s defense shuts down Jonathan Taylor, and Stroud exploits a middling Indy secondary.” Prediction: Texans win, 27-17 (11-1)
Week 14: @ Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 7, 7:20 p.m. CDT, Primetime)
Grok’s breakdown: “A brutal road game against the Chiefs, who ended Houston’s 2024 season in the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes’ offense is nearly unstoppable, and Kansas City’s home advantage proves too much. The Texans keep it close but fall short.” Prediction: Chiefs win, 34-24 (11-2)
Week 15: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 14, 12:00 p.m. CDT)
Grok’s breakdown: “Back home against a Cardinals team that picked high in the draft. Kyler Murray’s mobility is a challenge, but Houston’s defense contains him, and the offense rolls in a comfortable win.” Prediction: Texans win, 31-21 (12-2)
Week 16: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 21, 3:25 p.m. CDT, CBS)
Grok’s breakdown: “The Raiders, likely in transition with a new quarterback, struggle against Houston’s defense. The Texans’ offense takes advantage of a weak Las Vegas secondary for a big win.” Prediction: Texans win, 34-17 (13-2)
Grok’s breakdown: “A road game against a Chargers team with Justin Herbert. Houston’s defense pressures Herbert, but the Chargers’ home-field advantage and offensive firepower lead to a close loss.” Prediction: Chargers win, 27-24 (13-3)
Week 18: vs. Indianapolis Colts (TBD)
The season finale at home against the Colts, with the AFC South title likely on the line. Houston’s defense dominates, and Stroud closes the regular season with a strong performance. Prediction: Texans win, 30-20 (14-3)
Summary
- Predicted Record: 14-3
- Key Factors: The Texans benefit from a favorable home schedule, with 9 home games (potentially favored in 8) and only 5 outdoor games. Their defense, top-10 in scoring since 2023, and Stroud’s growth as a clutch quarterback position them to handle most opponents. Losses come in tough road games against elite teams (Ravens, Chiefs, Chargers).
- Playoff Outlook: A 14-3 record would likely secure a top-2 seed in the AFC, giving Houston a strong chance to host playoff games and make a deep run, potentially overcoming their historical struggles against teams like the Ravens.
- Key Wins: Rams, Bills, Cardinals, Colts (twice), Seahawks, Buccaneers, Titans (twice), Jaguars (twice)
- Key Losses: Chiefs, Chargers, Ravens
