The Texans are not expected to be contenders in 2023, but that does not mean there will not be improvement. The team has been one of the most active in the league this off-season. 

Shaq Mason, Dalton Schultz, Jimmie Ward, and Sheldon Rankins are just some of the notable additions. In the draft, the team added a new franchise signal-caller and a defensive centerpiece. With these new additions and a new head coach, things are looking up in Houston. 

With the 2023 NFL schedules being released last week, I wanted to identify the three games that could end up being the most important. 

Week 8: @ Carolina Panthers

This game will be a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. By this point, both Bryce Young and CJ Stroud should have several games under their belts and should be getting into a groove. 

This game will be an interesting litmus test to see how the rookie QBs match up. While not fair, many will use this game to determine which rookie is better or more impressive. It doesn't mean everything, but it would be nice publicity for the Texans if Stroud goes out and dominates against the QB who was selected before him. 

This game will not have playoff implications, but it will undoubtedly be exciting nonetheless. 

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Texans have historically dominated the Jaguars. Houston leads the all-time series with 28 wins to Jacksonville's 14. 

However, the last time these teams met, the Jaguars dominated in every facet, winning 31-3. This Week 12 matchup in 2023 will tell us how much the Texans have improved. The two rivals will first meet in Week 3 in Jacksonville, however I feel that the second matchup of the season will be more indicative of where the Texans are. 

By the Week 12 matchup, Houston's rookie head coach and QB should both have found a rhythm. The Jaguars are heavy favorites to win the AFC South, so the Texans have a great chance to upset a presumed contender. 

Week 18: @ Indianapolis Colts 

The Colts are not expected to be contenders in 2023, but they have historically had the Texans' number. The Colts lead the all-time series 32-10, with one tie taking place last season. 

This game is important for a couple of reasons. One, this will be another battle between rookie QBs. It will be interesting to see if Stroud can outperform Anthony Richardson. Additionally, this is the final game of the season, so winning will provide the team with positive vibes heading into the off-season. Winning in Indianapolis has not been a common occurrence for Houston, so this would be a huge win for the Stroud-led unit. 

Final Thoughts: The Texans may not be contenders in 2023, but at least there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. The biggest things to watch for in 2023 will be the development of Stroud and Anderson, and the long-anticipated debut of John Metchie III. Additionally, it will be telling to see how DeMeco Ryans deals with the pressures of having a young rebuilding team. Texan fans are surely hoping that Ryans will put an end to the coaching carousel in Houston.