How Many Games Have Houston Texans Won? A Deep Dive Into the Franchise’s Victories

The Houston Texans have become a significant presence in the National Football League (NFL) since their debut in 2002. Although they are one of the youngest teams in the league, their journey has been filled with memorable wins and impactful moments. But just how many games have Houston Texans won throughout their history? In this article, we’ll explore the total number of games they’ve won, highlight their most notable victories, and look at what the future holds for this ambitious franchise.

A Brief History of the Houston Texans

Before we dive into the total number of victories, it’s essential to understand the team’s background. The Houston Texans were established as the NFL’s 32nd franchise in 2002, filling the void left by the Houston Oilers, who relocated and became the Tennessee Titans in 1997. Led by founder Bob McNair, the Texans sought to bring football back to Houston, a city that had long embraced the sport.

As a brand-new franchise, the Texans faced the typical struggles of an expansion team. Building a competitive squad from scratch takes time, and early on, the Texans found themselves near the bottom of the standings. However, over the years, with key player acquisitions and a growing fan base, the Texans developed into a competitive team capable of winning games and division titles.

How Many Games Have Houston Texans Won?

As of the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season, the Houston Texans have won a total of 141 regular-season games. The team’s record, when looking at their wins and losses since 2002, stands at 141-197-1. This statistic includes the ups and downs the team has experienced over its two-decade history, from playoff appearances to seasons of rebuilding.

The Texans have also appeared in the playoffs six times and have won four playoff games during their history, making a total of 145 victories when combining both regular-season and playoff wins.

Breaking Down the Texans’ Wins by Season

The Texans’ journey has been characterized by several key periods where they saw significant success in winning games. Here’s a look at some of the standout seasons in terms of the number of games won:

1. 2011 Season (10-6 Record): This season marked a breakthrough for the Texans. Under the leadership of head coach Gary Kubiak, the Texans secured their first AFC South title and playoff berth. They won 10 games, and their defense, led by J.J. Watt, was instrumental in their success. This year also saw their first-ever playoff victory, as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round.
2. 2012 Season (12-4 Record): The Texans’ most successful regular season came in 2012. With 12 wins, they set a franchise record for victories in a single season. They dominated the AFC South and once again advanced to the playoffs, earning their second playoff win in franchise history with another victory over the Bengals.
3. 2018 Season (11-5 Record): After several seasons of ups and downs, the Texans once again found success in 2018, winning 11 games and securing the AFC South title. Led by Deshaun Watson and a stout defense, the Texans showed they were capable of competing with the league’s best teams.
4. 2019 Season (10-6 Record): The Texans followed up their 2018 success with another double-digit win season in 2019. This year featured another memorable playoff victory, with the Texans overcoming a 16-point deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bills in overtime during the Wild Card Round.

Notable Victories in Texans History

While the total number of victories gives us a clear picture of the team’s success over the years, there are certain games that stand out as particularly significant for the franchise. These memorable wins helped to define the Texans’ identity and brought excitement to their growing fan base.

1. First Win vs. Dallas Cowboys (2002): The Houston Texans’ first-ever game, and first-ever victory, came on September 8, 2002, when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-10. This victory was monumental for the franchise, as it established the Texans as a force to be reckoned with and gave the city of Houston a reason to believe in their new team. Beating a storied franchise like the Cowboys in their first game created an immediate buzz.
2. 2011 AFC Wild Card Victory vs. Cincinnati Bengals: The Texans’ first playoff win came during the 2011 season, when they defeated the Bengals 31-10. J.J. Watt’s pick-six interception in the second quarter was the highlight of the game, and the win sent Houston to the AFC Divisional Round for the first time in franchise history.
3. 2012 AFC Wild Card Victory vs. Cincinnati Bengals: In the very next season, the Texans once again found themselves facing the Bengals in the Wild Card Round. This time, they won 19-13, securing back-to-back playoff victories and further cementing their reputation as a legitimate playoff contender.
4. 2019 AFC Wild Card Victory vs. Buffalo Bills: In one of the most thrilling games in franchise history, the Texans pulled off an incredible comeback in the 2019 Wild Card Round. Down 16-0 in the second half, the Texans rallied behind Deshaun Watson, eventually winning the game 22-19 in overtime. Watson’s dazzling escape from a potential sack and game-winning throw to Taiwan Jones was one of the most memorable plays in franchise history.

Playoff Appearances and Wins

The Texans have made six playoff appearances since their inception, all of which came after winning the AFC South title. These playoff berths are a testament to the franchise’s ability to build competitive rosters over the years.

Here is a breakdown of the Texans’ playoff appearances and their corresponding victories:

• 2011: (1-1) – Defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round.
• 2012: (1-1) – Once again defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round but lost to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.
• 2015: (0-1) – Lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.
• 2016: (1-1) – Defeated the Oakland Raiders in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Patriots in the Divisional Round.
• 2018: (0-1) – Lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card Round.
• 2019: (1-1) – Defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

In total, the Texans have won four playoff games out of their six postseason appearances, giving them a playoff record of 4-6.

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding and Future Wins

The Texans have experienced a tumultuous few seasons, particularly after the 2019 playoff run. Following the departure of key players like J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and the trade saga surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Texans entered a rebuilding phase.

Under new head coach DeMeco Ryans, and with a focus on young talent through the draft, including the acquisition of quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2023, the Texans are laying the groundwork for future success. While rebuilding can be challenging, the Texans have shown resilience throughout their history, and their loyal fan base continues to support them through the highs and lows.

Impact of Texans’ Wins on Houston and the NFL

Every win the Texans have achieved has not only added to their overall record but has also strengthened their bond with the city of Houston. The team’s victories have brought pride to a community that is deeply passionate about football. Through programs such as the Houston Texans Foundation, the team is actively involved in giving back to the community, making each victory a win for the city as well.

Additionally, the Texans’ success on the field has helped grow the NFL’s popularity in the southern United States. Their ability to compete with long-established franchises has further legitimized Houston as a premier football city.

So, how many games have Houston Texans won? As of the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season, the Texans have secured 141 regular-season victories and four playoff wins, giving them a total of 145 games won. While the Texans’ journey has seen its share of challenges, their victories—both in the regular season and playoffs—have provided unforgettable moments for their fans. As the team continues to rebuild, the future is bright for this young franchise, with more wins undoubtedly on the horizon.

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