SF 49ers schedule: Too-early ranking of 5 easiest games of 2021

No. 4: The SF 49ers will host the Texans but it could be without one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time

Last matchup: December 2017 — SF 49ers 26 Houston Texans 16

If Houston Texans fans received a dollar every time they heard, “Houston, we have a problem,” they could afford to fix all the problems.

The Texans, we know now, might not be the same when the SF 49ers host them in 2021.

Houston might be without all-star defensive lineman J.J. Watt to start the new season. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported in November the future Hall of Famer wants to end his career on a Super Bowl-contending team.

Watt can pick up some much-needed draft picks for the Texans if he were to be traded, which could make their meeting with the 49ers much easier.

Hey, maybe the SF 49ers make a pitch to Houston…

The Texans will be starting fresh with a new coach and general manager, and assuming the Niners keep much of the core intact through free agency, Houston will have a rocket ship full of problems.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson led his team to middle-of-the-pack stats in 2020. Houston placed top 10 in passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions, while the running game let it down immensely: almost dead last in yards, attempts and touchdowns.

With a healthy EDGE, Nick Bosa, the SF 49ers defensive front should feast on the run game. Even the secondary could have a solid game if the pass rush is on its game.

Sorry, Houston. The Niners are taking off with the victory and don’t plan on landing anytime soon.