John McClain offers his game-by-game predictions for the Texans' 2019 season.

Sept. 9 (Mon.): at Saints

When: 7:10 p.m. TV: ESPN

This nationally televised opener on ESPN features quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Drew Brees and high-scoring offenses. The team that plays the best defense should win.

Prediction: Saints 31, Texans 28.

Record: 0-1

Sept. 15: vs. Jaguars

When: Noon. TV: CBS

The Texans lost to Nick Foles on a field goal as time expired at Philadelphia last season, and they'll get revenge to even their record to 1-1.

Prediction: Texans 20, Jaguars 16.

Record: 1-1

Sept. 22: at Chargers

When: 3:25 p.m. TV: CBS

The Chargers won a playoff game last season. The Texans didn't. The Chargers are a Super Bowl contender. The Texans aren't. Their record drops to 1-2.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Texans 20.

Record: 1-2

Sept. 29: vs. Panthers

When: Noon. TV: Fox

Cam Newton is coming off shoulder surgery. The Panthers won't be able to run the ball against a Texans run defense that should be suffocating again.

Prediction: Texans 27, Panthers 17.

Record: 2-2

Oct. 6: vs. Falcons

When: Noon. TV: Fox

Deshaun Watson versus Matt Ryan. DeAndre Hopkins versus Julio Jones. This could be the most explosive and exciting game of the season at NRG Stadium.

Prediction: Texans 34, Falcons 30.

Record: 3-2.

Oct. 13: at Chiefs

When: Noon. TV: CBS

Patrick Mahomes, the reigning MVP, is going to light up the Texans' secondary. Deshaun Watson might be able to do the same against the Chiefs' defense.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 27.

Record: 3-3.

Oct. 20: at Colts

When: Noon. TV: CBS

The Texans won in overtime at Lucas Oil Stadium last year, but it'll be difficult to do it again against Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and Darius Leonard.

Prediction: Colts 30, Texans 27.

Record: 3-4.

Oct. 27: vs. Raiders

When: Noon. TV: CBS

The Texans should be able to put some hard knocks on Jon Gruden and the Raiders, earn a victory, and break the two-game losing streak.

Prediction: Texans 33, Raiders 17.

Record: 4-4.

Nov. 3: at Jaguars (London)

When: 8:30 a.m. TV: NFLN

This Jaguars' home game at Wembley Stadium in London provides the Texans with a chance to sweep Jacksonville for a second consecutive season.

Prediction: Texans 20, Jaguars 17.

Record: 5-4.

Nov. 17: at Ravens

When: Noon. TV: CBS

The Texans get their first look at second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson gets his first look at J.J. Watt but manages to pull out a victory.

Prediction: Ravens 20, Texans 16.

Record: 5-5.

Nov. 21 (Thurs.) vs. Colts

When: 7:20 p.m. TV: Fox/NFLN

This prime-time game at T.Y. Hilton's second home gives the Texans' defensive backs an opportunity to shut down Andrew Luck and his favorite target.

Prediction: Texans 31, Colts 30.

Record: 6-5.

Dec. 1: vs. Patriots

When: 7:20 p.m. TV: NBC

The Texans have beaten the Patriots one time in their history. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have owned the Texans, no matter who's coaching them.

Prediction: Patriots 23, Texans 20.

Record: 6-6.

Dec. 8: vs. Broncos

When: Noon. TV: CBS

Cornerback Bradley Roby returns a Drew Lock interception for a touchdown against his former team. Lock is sacked three times by J.J. Watt.

Prediction: Texans 24, Broncos 13.

Record: 7-6.

Dec. 15: at Titans

When: Noon. TV: CBS

Marcus Mariota is running out of time to earn a new contract as the Titans' quarterback. Ka'imi Fairbairn wins the game with a last-second field goal.

Prediction: Texans 19, Titans 16.

Record: 8-6.

Dec. 21 or 22: at Buccaneers

When: Noon. TV: TBD

This game could be played on Saturday or Sunday. It won't matter. The Texans will beat Jameis Winston and put the Bucs closer to searching for his replacement.

Prediction: Texans 30, Bucs 20.

Record: 9-6.

Dec. 29: vs. Titans

When: Noon. TV: CBS

The Texans have to win to secure a wild-card playoff berth. They sweep the AFC South series and improve their record to 3-1 against Mike Vrabel.

Prediction: Texans 29, Titans 20.

Record: 10-6.