[Keith]

The Texans get the NFC West and AFC East next season as part of the the regular season schedule.

Home:
49ers, Seahawks, Patriots, Jets, Colts, Titans, Jaguars, +AFC West
...looks like either the Raiders or Chiefs.

Away:
Cardinals, Rams, Bills, Dolphins, Colts, Titans, Jaguars, +AFC North
...looks like the Browns here.

Seems like a FAR more favorable schedule next year, though the AFC East is quite formidable based on 2008 performance. It's probably countered by the weakness of the NFC West, but conference record could play a factor in tie-breakers, too.

At first blush, I'm hoping to avoid a December trip to Buffalo; but then again, the frigid temps haven't been a problem for the Texans in the past.