2011 Playoff Run

Lore & Background

The Texans were founded in 1999, replacing the city's previous NFL franchise, the Houston Oilers. They 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 won AFC South division championships in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. They were the only franchise to have never won a road playoff game until they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6 in the 2025 AFC Wild Card playoffs. 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. Bob McNair owned the Texans until his death in 2018, after which the majority ownership went to his wife, Janice. Their son, Cal, became operating head of the franchise upon his father's death, and became principal owner when his mother transferred ownership to him in 2024. After the Texas Rangers won the 2023 World Series, the Houston Texans became the only big four professional sports franchise currently based in Texas without a championship.

In Their Own Story

The cold air of Foxborough bit at the faces of the Texans players as they lined up for the final drive. Matt Schaub, eyes locked on the end zone, felt the weight of ten years of 'almost' pressing down on him. The crowd roared, a deafening wall of sound from the Patriots faithful, but inside the huddle, the silence was absolute. With seconds ticking away, Schaub snapped his head up, spotted Andre Johnson breaking free in the corner, and launched a spiral that cut through the winter wind like a knife. It wasn't just a touchdown; it was a declaration.

Reader's Guide

In 2011, the Texans finished 10–6, winning their first AFC South title. They 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. The source does not specify a Week 17 victory against the Colts in 2011; the Texans lost to the Colts in Week 17 of the 2011 season (19–16). Their key Week 17 win was against the Tennessee Titans in 2011, but that game was in Week 17 of the 2010 season.

Did You Know?

• The Texans were the first expansion team to win its opening game since the Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears in 1961.
• The Texans' 14-game losing streak in 2013 is the worst in franchise history.
• The Texans are the only franchise that has never appeared in a Conference Championship game.