When the Texans left the visitors' locker room following an epic playoff collapse last January against the Kansas City Chiefs, several players, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, promised they would be back.
Now, the Texans will get the opportunity to measure themselves again against the reigning Super Bowl champions at Arrowhead Stadium
The defending AFC South champions kick off the NFL regular season Sept. 10 in a Thursday night road game.
After racing to a 24-0 lead over the Chiefs, the Texans squandered their advantage as a fake punt run by safety Justin Reid backfired horribly.
It was an ugly finish as Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes engineered a 51-31 comeback victory by leading his team to an NFL playoff record seven touchdowns on seven consecutive drives. Kansas City scored 41 consecutive points, outscoring the Texans 44-7 following the fake punt as the Texans surrendered a franchise-record 51 points.
Following an offseason during which the offense underwent dramatic changes, the Texans are hoping they're better equipped for this kind of matchup.
The Texans executed a controversial trade of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for former All-Pro running back David Johnson. They also traded for former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks as Hopkins' primary replacement and signed former Dallas Cowboys starter Randall Cobb as their new slot receiver.
Besides the Chiefs game, the Texans face a challenging start to the season.
Texans open season against Chiefs; Thanksgiving game at Lions
Their first home game is Sept. 20 against the Baltimore Ravens, who are led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, and blew them out last season at M&T Bank Stadium. They face the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road Sept. 27.
The Texans face the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 4.
The first AFC South game isn't until Oct. 11, and it's against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home, followed by a road AFC South game against the Tennessee Titans the following week.
The bye week is well-timed, on Nov. 1.
The Texans play a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions at 11:30.
The Texans host the New England Patriots, who no longer have veteran quarterback Tom Brady with him leaving as a free agent to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Nov. 22.
In December, the Texans have consecutive road games against the Chicago Bears (Dec. 13) and the Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 19 or 20th).
The final regular-season game is against the Titans on Jan. 3 at home.
The Titans emerged as one of the most difficult teams to beat in the AFC last season, led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Here's the Texans' full preseason and regular-season schedule:
PRESEASON:
at Minnesota Aug. 13-17
Seattle Aug. 20-24
at New Orleans Aug. 27-30
Dallas Sept. 3-4.
REGULAR SEASON
Sept. 10
At Chiefs
7:20 p.m.
Sept. 20
Ravens
3:25 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Steelers
Noon
Oct. 4
Vikings
Noon
Oct. 11
Jaguars
Noon
Oct. 18
At Titans
Noon
Oct. 25
Packers
Noon
Nov. 1
Open date
Nov. 8
At Jaguars
Noon
Nov. 15
At Browns
Noon
Nov. 22
Patriots
Noon
Nov. 26
At Lions
11:30
Dec. 6
Colts
Noon
Dec. 13
At Bears
Noon
Dec. 19 or 20
At Colts
TBD
Dec. 27
Bengals
Noon
Jan. 3
Titans