Houston Texans Eye Patriots Matchup Amid ESPN 'Curse' Buzz

The Houston Texans are days away from their first test of the new season, and fans already have plenty to talk about. A preseason projection from ESPN placed the Texans in an elite tier of NFL contenders, sparking a wave of buzz—and a few raised eyebrows—around the so‑called "ESPN curse." Some fans believe that early praise can jinx a team before the first whistle. Whether superstition holds up or not, one thing is clear: the Texans must bring their best when they face the New England Patriots this weekend.

The rankings come at a time when expectations in Houston remain sky‑high. Quarterback C.J. Stroud enters the season with the confidence of a seasoned leader. Coach DeMeco Ryans continues building a roster that has embraced both swagger and discipline. Last season's surge turned the Texans into one of the most closely watched teams in the league, and that national attention will only grow as Week 1 approaches.

Why Fans Are Talking About the "Curse"

The idea of an ESPN curse started as a lighthearted fan theory—teams hyped too early, some argue, tend to stumble. It's not backed by data, but the internet loves patterns, even accidental ones. This week, that conversation centered on Houston after ESPN's analysts placed the Texans in a top‑tier grouping ahead of the season.

Some Texans fans shrugged it off. Others joked nervously on social media. A few pointed out that being ranked among the best is a sign of progress, not a bad omen. Whether the "curse" is real or not, the attention underscores how dramatically the Texans have shifted from underdogs to contenders in a short span.

What’s at Stake Against New England

Houston will travel to Foxborough for its matchup against the Patriots. That adds an extra layer of challenge, as road games early in the season can test even the most prepared teams. New England may be in a rebuilding phase, but the Patriots remain capable of disrupting opponents with strong defensive schemes.

A Texans win would reinforce the idea that this team is ready to carry last year’s success into the new season. A loss, especially after national praise, could add fuel to the curse conversation, even if the notion is more entertainment than reality.

Looking Ahead

The Texans’ rise has energized the city and brought a spotlight that reflects both potential and pressure. Houston has embraced the moment, and the team seems unfazed by outside chatter. With an exciting offense, a tough-minded defense, and renewed confidence, the Texans enter the season ready to prove themselves—curse talk or not.

Fans will watch closely as Houston takes the field, eager to see whether the team can start the season on the right note and push aside preseason superstitions.

This article is a summary of reporting by MARCA. Read the full story here.