Full 2009 Texans schedule released

[Keith]

I love this schedule.

They open with three of four at home, which should help them avoid what they went through on the field to start last year (hurricanes be damned).

I think how they survive that stretch Week 5 to the bye week (@ARI, @CIN, vs. SF, @BUF, @IND) could be telling. If they get to the bye with a 6-3 record, look out. Even 5-4 would be good imo.

Because the bye comes at a terrific time, just before a key home game against the Titans, then, and here's the best part, they stay at home for the short week to face the Colts. Those two games could decide the season.

No real cold weather games on the schedule (though honestly that really hasn't been much of a problem for the Texans in the past). Plus, that last game against the Patriots could mean the Pats have nothing to play for and might rest their starters... might be the best week of the season to face them.

With all six division games though over by Week 13, the Texans need to take care of their business sooner than later... Schaub's health is probably the #1 key to the season followed by improvement from the defense. I like their odds right now though of winning 10 or more and making the postseason.