NFL · AFC South · Est. 2002 · NRG Stadium
Updated March 17, 2026
The Texans went 12-5 and earned a Wild Card berth, then demolished the Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card round in one of the most lopsided playoff performances of the year. Houston's season came to an end in the Divisional Round, falling 28-16 to a red-hot Patriots team. The loss stung, but the Texans proved they belong among the AFC's elite.
C.J. Stroud continued his meteoric rise with another stellar season, and DeMeco Ryans has built one of the most complete rosters in the AFC in just a few short years. Houston's 12-5 record and playoff victory over Pittsburgh showed this is no fluke — the Texans are legitimate contenders. The challenge now is taking the next step and reaching the AFC Championship Game.
The Divisional Round loss to the Patriots exposed areas Houston still needs to address, particularly in the trenches and on the back end of the defense. With Stroud locked in as a franchise quarterback and a deep roster around him, the Texans' front office will look to make targeted upgrades this offseason to push from contender to true Super Bowl threat in 2026.