2017 Regular Season
A season of shattered hopes: Watson's rookie brilliance cut short, Watt lost again, and a 4–12 finish.
The 2017 season was the Houston Texans' 16th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Bill O'Brien. With the Texans' loss at the Titans in Week 13, Houston exceeded their loss total (7) from 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Texans clinched their first losing season since 2013 (and their first under Bill O'Brien), and finished in last place in the AFC South for the first time since 2013. The Texans also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Quick Facts
- Head coach
- Bill O'Brien
- Quarterback debut
- Deshaun Watson (Week 10)
- Final record
- 9-7
- Division finish
- 2nd in AFC South
- Key achievement
- First playoff berth since 2015
- Mvp candidate
- J.J. Watt
Lore & Background
The team were with high hopes with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback who broke rookie records in his starts. However, after a loss in Week 8, Watson tore his ACL during practice that ruled him out for the rest of the season. The team was forced to turn to backup Tom Savage to replace Watson. Savage could not fill the void and the Texans limped to a 4–12 finish, tied for second worst in the AFC standings with the Indianapolis Colts. The team was also affected by the loss of defensive end J. J. Watt, who for the second consecutive season was lost early, this time after suffering an injury in Week 5.
Reader's Guide
Deshaun Watson made his first NFL start in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He entered the game in the second half of Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, replacing Tom Savage. Watson started Weeks 2 through 8 before his season-ending ACL tear. J. J. Watt suffered a season-ending tibial plateau fracture to his left leg in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs and had 0 sacks in 2017. The Texans finished 4–12 and did not make the playoffs.
Did You Know?
- Watson's first NFL start was in Week 2 on Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- The Texans' 57–14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 4 was the most points scored in a single game in franchise history.
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