2011 Playoff Run

Lore & Background

The Texans were founded in 1999, replacing the city's previous NFL franchise, the Houston Oilers. The Texans began play as an expansion team in 2002, making them the youngest franchise currently competing in the NFL. The Texans won their first division championship in 2011, clinching their first playoff berth. They have gone on to win seven more AFC South division championships in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. They are the only franchise that has never appeared in a Conference Championship game. They are also one of four franchises to have never appeared in a Super Bowl, alongside the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and division rival Jacksonville Jaguars.

Reader's Guide

The Texans joined the NFL in the 2002 season under head coach Dom Capers. Gary Kubiak became head coach in 2006. In 2011, the Texans beat the Cincinnati Bengals 31–10 in the Wild Card round of the 2011–12 playoffs, before a 20–13 defeat by the Ravens in the Divisional Round. Bill O'Brien became head coach in 2014. The Texans have won AFC South titles in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Did You Know?

• The Texans were the first expansion team to win its opening game since the Minnesota Vikings in 1961.
• Bob McNair owned the Texans until his death in 2018, after which majority ownership went to his wife Janice.
• The Texans are the only big four professional sports franchise currently based in Texas without a championship.