10 greatest Houston Texans teams of all time

The Houston Texans are the NFL’s youngest franchise. Houston joined the league as an expansion team during the 2002 season, but they still have a rich history just like any other franchise. The first era of Texans included some of the best players in franchise history. Those included some truly legendary players like J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson.

Houston seems to be on the right path ahead of the 2025 season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former franchise star at linebacker, and quarterback C.J. Stroud have fans optimistic about the future.

If the 2025 Texans make a deep run in the playoffs this year, they could still become one of the best teams in franchise history.

But which Texans squad is the best of them all? And how do you compare those early teams to the most recent iteration of the Texans?

Below we will explore the top 10 Texans teams of all time.

10. 2007 Texans

Regular Season Record: 8-8

Results: Missed the playoffs

Superlative: First non-losing season in franchise history

Since the Texans are such a young franchise, not every team on this list is going to be great.

The 2007 were not a particularly impressive squad, but they have their place in Texans lore. By finishing 8-8, the Texans logged their first non-losing season in team history.

It may not sound like much, but it was a stepping stone for the Texans. They would soon become a much better team, as you’ll see later on this list.

9. 2016 Texans

Regular Season Record: 9-7

Results: Lost to Patriots 34-16 in Divisional Round

Superlative: Defense dominates without Watt

There are (almost) no teams here on out that didn’t make the playoffs.

The Texans had the best defense in NFL based on yards allowed. Even more impressively, they did that without J.J. Watt for much of the season.

Houston had to lean on quarterback Brock Osweiler in the playoffs because Tom Savage was in concussion protocol. Osweiler did his best, helping the Texans cruise past the Connor Cook-led Raiders 27-14 in the first round.

But the Raiders simply couldn’t handle Belichick, Brady, and the Patriots.

8. 2015 Texans

Regular Season Record: 9-7

Results: Lost to Chiefs 30-0 in Wild Card Round

Superlative: J.J. Watt, defense dominate

The 2015 Texans were true to form, looking like most of the successful Houston squads from that era.

J.J. Watt was a great as ever, winning his third Defensive Player of the Year award in 2015.

The defense was great, but offensive struggles held the team back.

Houston had a rotating cast of quarterbacks throughout the season. Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Mallett, and T.J. Yates all had starts for the Texans in 2015.

This imbalance put the Texans at a huge disadvantage in the playoffs. They didn’t score a single point against the Chiefs.