Texans Have Favorable Schedule in October

The Houston Texans will have a chance to be competitive in all four of their games in October.

There's a good chance that the Houston Texans will still be underdogs in all four of their matchups in October. But if there's a month quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans are going to climb out of the cellar in the AFC South, October would probably be it.

Coach DeMeco Ryans' squad likely won't be favored, but they also won't be 10+ underdogs during any of the following matchups.

Week 4 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1: There's a possibility that Stroud is running for his life Sunday against pass rusher T.J. Watt and a strong defense for Pittsburgh. However, offensive coordinator Matt Canada's group is averaging under 19 points per game through their first three contests. A week after beating the Baltimore Ravens on the road, the Texans might be a sneaky cover against the Steelers, even if a win is unlikely.

Week 5 at Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 8: Rookie running back Bijan Robinson is electric, but quarterback Desmond Ridder and the Falcons are currently 28th in the NFL with 553 passing yards after three weeks. If Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are held in check, this could be a game that the Texans win.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans have a manageable schedule in October.  / USA Today

Week 6 vs. New Orleans Saints on Oct. 15: Carr currently has an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, which has made his status for New Orleans' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend murky. There's a world where the injury causes Carr to miss a few weeks and the Texans instead see Jameis Winston. Either way, the Texans will host the Saints, as opposed to having to play in the deafeningly-loud Caesars Superdome. Again, we're just saying there's a chance.

Week 8 at Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29: So far, Stroud has outplayed the quarterback taken a pick above him at No. 1 in Bryce Young. Young missed Week 3 with an ankle injury, but there's no reason to think he won't be more than fine by this matchup. If Stroud looks significantly better than Young in this game, that will really ramp up discussion about whether the Panthers made a mistake with the top pick.