22nd season in franchise history
The 2023 season was the Houston Texans ' 22nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach DeMeco Ryans . While the team went into the season with low expectations as a rebuilding period and started 0–2, they not only improved on their 3–13–1 record from last year with a Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ,[ 2] 2019 with a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, ending with a 10–7 record. After the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans the day after, the Texans also clinched the AFC South for the first time since 2019. The Texans became the fifth team in NFL history to make the playoffs with both a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach, as well as making history as the first team in NFL history to win a division entirely with a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback.[ 3] [ nb 1]
In the Wild Card round of the playoffs , the Texans blew out the Cleveland Browns with a 45–14 win.[ 4] Baltimore Ravens 34–10 in the Divisional round, preventing them from making their first AFC Championship appearance in franchise history.
In the NFL draft , the Texans selected quarterback C. J. Stroud from Ohio State second overall . Stroud would break several NFL and franchise rookie records on his way to being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year , becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award.[ 5] Arizona Cardinals , the Texans would select Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. third overall. Anderson was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year , marking the fourth time in NFL history that teammates won the offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards.[ 6]
On January 8, the Texans fired Lovie Smith after just one rebuilding season as the head coach with a record of 3–13–1.[ 7] San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and former player DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach.[ 8]
Draft trades and notes
^ a b c d The Texans traded first- and second-round selections (12th and 33rd overall) and first- and third-round selections in 2024 to Arizona in exchange for first- and fourth-round selections (3rd and 105th overall)[ 9]
^ a b The Texans traded QB Deshaun Watson and a 2024 sixth-round selection to Cleveland in exchange for first- and third-round selections (12th and 73rd overall), 2022 and 2024 first- and fourth-round selections, and a 2024 sixth-round selection.[ 10]
^ a b c d The Texans traded third-, sixth-, and seventh-round selections (65th, 188th, and 230th overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for a second-round selection (62nd overall).[ 11]
^ a b c d The Texans traded third- and fifth-round selections (73rd and 161st overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for third- and sixth-round selections (69th and 191st overall).[ 12]
^ a b c d The Texans traded fourth- and sixth-round selections (104th and 203rd overall) to Las Vegas in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round selections (109th and 174th overall).[ 13]
^ The Texans traded a fourth-round selection (105th overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2024 third-round selection.[ 13]
^ The Texans forfeited their fifth-round selection as punishment for a salary cap reporting violation.[ 14]
^ The Texans traded WR Brandin Cooks to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round selection (161st overall) and a 2024 sixth-round selection.[ 15]
^ a b c The Texans traded fifth- and seventh-round selections (174th and 259th overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a fifth-round selection (167th overall).[ 13]
^ a b The Texans traded a sixth-round selection (179th overall) to Tampa Bay in exchange for guard Shaq Mason and a seventh-round selection (230th overall).[ 16]
^ The Texans traded CB Bradley Roby to New Orleans in exchange for a sixth-round selection (188th overall) and a 2022 third-round selection.[ 17]
^ a b c The Texans traded a sixth-round selection (191st overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for two seventh-round selections (230th and 248th overall).[ 18]
^ a b The Texans traded DE Ross Blacklock and a seventh-round selection (219th overall) to Minnesota in exchange for a sixth-round selection (201st overall).[ 19]
^ The Texans traded CB Keion Crossen to the New York Giants in exchange for a sixth-round selection (203rd overall).[ 20]
^ a b The Texans traded a seventh-round selection (230th overall) and a 2024 sixth-round selection to Buffalo in exchange for a sixth-round selection (205th overall)[ 21]
^ The Texans traded a sixth-round selection (207th overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for linebacker Blake Cashman .[ 22]
^ The Texans traded defensive end Charles Omenihu to San Francisco in exchange for a sixth-round selection (207th overall).[ 23]
2023 Houston Texans staff
Front office
Owner/senior chairwoman – Janice McNair
CEO/chairman – Cal McNair
President – Greg Grissom
General manager – Nick Caserio
Executive vice president/general counsel – Greg Kondritz
Assistant director of player personnel and college scouting director – James Liipfert
Assistant director of player personnel – Chris Blanco
Director of football operations – Clay Hampton
Director of Pro Scouting – Ronnie McGill
Assistant director of pro scouting – D. J. Debick
Director of team development – Dylan Thompson Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Special teams coordinator – Frank Ross
Assistant special teams coordinator – Will Burnham Strength and conditioning
Head strength and conditioning – Mike Eubanks
Assistant strength and conditioning – Chris Cervantes
Assistant strength and conditioning – Joe Distor
Assistant strength and conditioning – Pat Moorer
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 35-yard field goal, 3:56. Ravens 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 8:54.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Ravens 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 1:54. Third quarter
BAL – Justice Hill 2-yard run (Gus Edwards run), 9:55. Ravens 15–6. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 3:47.
BAL – Justice Hill 2-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 5:21. Ravens 22–6. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:14. Fourth quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 13:47. Ravens 22–9. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 1:39.
BAL – Justin Tucker 39-yard field goal, 4:10. Ravens 25–9. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 4:50.
Top passers
Top rushers
HOU – Dameon Pierce – 11 rushes, 38 yards
BAL – Lamar Jackson – 6 rushes, 38 yards Top receivers
Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts [ edit ]
Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts 14
14
3 0 31
Texans
7
3
0 10 20
at NRG Stadium , Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
IND – Anthony Richardson 18-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 10:44. Colts 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:16.
IND – Anthony Richardson 15-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 9:13. Colts 14–0. Drive: 1 play, 15 yards, 0:05.
HOU – Nico Collins 8-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:14. Colts 14–7. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 5:59. Second quarter
IND – Zack Moss 11-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 9:43. Colts 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 3:02.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 29-yard field goal, 4:25. Colts 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 5:18.
IND – Kylen Granson 4-yard pass from Gardner Minshew (Matt Gay kick), 0:10. Colts 28–10. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 4:15. Third quarter
IND – Matt Gay 42-yard field goal, 5:50. Colts 31–10. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:18. Fourth quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 13:24. Colts 31–13. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 7:26.
HOU – Tank Dell 23-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 9:48. Colts 31–20. Drive: 5 plays, 67 yards, 1:41.
Top passers
IND – Gardner Minshew – 19/23, 171 yards, TD
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 30/47, 384 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
IND – Zack Moss – 18 rushes, 88 yards, TD
HOU – Dameon Pierce – 15 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers
IND – Michael Pittman Jr. – 8 receptions, 56 yards
HOU – Nico Collins – 7 receptions, 146 yards, TD
Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ]
Week 3: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans 7
10
7 13 37
Jaguars
0
0
10 7 17
at EverBank Stadium , Jacksonville, Florida
Date : September 24Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : 84 °F (29 °C)Game attendance : 61,466Referee : Scott Novak TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Robert Smith and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Brevin Jordan 4-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 7:27. Texans 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 4:24.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 1:04. Third quarter
JAX – Tank Bigsby 1-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 11:17. Texans 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:43.
JAX – Brandon McManus 33-yard field goal, 4:35. Texans 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:44.
HOU – Andrew Beck 85-yard kickoff return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 4:19. Texans 24–10. Fourth quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 26-yard field goal, 12:36. Texans 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:44.
JAX – Christian Kirk 26-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Brandon McManus kick), 10:40. Texans 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:56.
HOU – Tank Dell 68-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 8:59. Texans 34–17. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:41.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 2:10. Texans 37–17. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 4:35.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers [ edit ]
Week 4: Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Steelers
0
0
6 0 6
Texans 10
6
0 14 30
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date : October 1Game time : 12:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 71,399Referee : Bill Vinovich TV announcers (CBS) : Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Amanda RennerRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
HOU – Nico Collins 2-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 8:55. Texans 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:05.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 1:20. Texans 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards, 3:26. Second quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 38-yard field goal, 12:09. Texans 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:43.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 39-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 16–0. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 0:41. Third quarter
PIT – Chris Boswell 35-yard field goal, 9:31. Texans 16–3. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:29.
PIT – Chris Boswell 23-yard field goal, 5:47. Texans 16–6. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:53. Fourth quarter
HOU – Dalton Schultz 6-yard pass from Devin Singletary (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 10:50. Texans 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:20.
HOU – Nico Collins 52-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:39. Texans 30–6. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 6:24.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
PIT – Najee Harris – 1 reception, 32 yards
HOU – Nico Collins – 7 receptions, 168 yards, 2 TD
For the second straight week, the Texans had back-to-back upset victories, and improved to 2-2. Former defensive end J.J. Watt was inducted to the Houston Texans Ring of Honor during halftime. Coincidentally, his brother T.J was playing in this game, though for the Pittsburgh Steelers .
Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 43-yard field goal, 14:10. Falcons 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 2:59.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 28-yard field goal, 0:03. Texans 9–7. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 1:42. Third quarter
HOU — Kaʻimi Fairbairn 42-yard field goal, 9:35. Texans 12–7. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:19. Fourth quarter
ATL – Bijan Robinson 6-yard pass from Desmond Ridder (Desmond Ridder–Tyler Allgeier pass), 12:12. Falcons 15–12. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 6:41.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 33-yard field goal, 6:57. Falcons 18–12. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:15.
HOU – Dalton Schultz 18-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 1:49. Texans 19–18. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
ATL – Younghoe Koo 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 21–19. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 1:49.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 6: vs. New Orleans Saints [ edit ]
Week 6: New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
3
3 0 13
Texans 7
10
3 0 20
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date : October 15Game time : 12:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 71,810Referee : Alan Eck TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Kristina PinkRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 24-yard field goal, 10:28. Texans 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:45.
HOU – Robert Woods 6-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 2:56. Texans 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 6:11.
NO – Blake Grupe 48-yard field goal, 0:18. Texans 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 2:38. Third quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 22-yard field goal, 7:01. Texans 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:09.
NO – Blake Grupe 45-yard field goal, 2:17. Texans 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:44. Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win, the Texans improved to 3–3 and matched their win total from the previous season.
Week 8: at Carolina Panthers [ edit ]
Week 8: Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans
0
7
6 0 13
Panthers 0
6
6 3 15
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : October 29Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Clear, 76 °F (24 °C)Game attendance : 71,505Referee : John Hussey TV announcers (Fox) : Brandon Gaudin, Robert Smith and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 46-yard field goal, 10:46. Panthers 9–7. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:14.
CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 37-yard field goal, 7:58. Panthers 12–7. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:57.
HOU – C. J. Stroud 1-yard run (pass failed), 0:35. Texans 13–12. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 7:23. Fourth quarter
CAR – Eddy Piñeiro 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 15–13. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 6:17.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ]
Week 9: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers
10
7
6 14 37
Texans 7
3
12 17 39
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
TB – Rachaad White 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 9:05. Buccaneers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 2:58.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 50-yard field goal, 5:17. Buccaneers 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:48. Third quarter
TB – Chase McLaughlin 49-yard field goal, 12:38. Buccaneers 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 2:22.
HOU – Noah Brown 75-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (pass failed), 12:20. Buccaneers 20–16. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:18.
TB – Chase McLaughlin 55-yard field goal, 9:23. Buccaneers 23–16. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:57.
HOU – Tank Dell 29-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (pass failed), 5:59. Buccaneers 23–22. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:24. Fourth quarter
HOU – Dalton Schultz 9-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (C. J. Stroud run), 14:11. Texans 30–23. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:26.
TB – Rachaad White 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 11:43. Tied 30–30. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:28.
HOU – Dare Ogunbowale 29-yard field goal, 8:45. Texans 33–30. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:58.
TB – Cade Otton 14-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:46. Buccaneers 37–33. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 3:41.
HOU – Tank Dell 15-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (run failed), 0:06. Texans 39–37. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 0:40.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Placekicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn exited the game at halftime with a quad injury. Running back Dare Ogunbowale handled kickoffs for the Texans during the second half.[ 27]
Quarterback C. J. Stroud sets the NFL single-game record for passing yards by a rookie with 470 passing yards, surpassing the record set by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck .[ 28] [ 29]
Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals [ edit ]
Week 10: Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans 0
10
10 10 30
Bengals
7
0
10 10 27
at Paycor Stadium , Cincinnati, Ohio
Date : November 12Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Sunny, 56 °F (13 °C)Game attendance : 66,526Referee : Carl CheffersTV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan , Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Tank Dell 6-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Matt Ammendola kick), 10:33. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:03.
HOU – Matt Ammendola 45-yard field goal, 0:10. Texans 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 2:30. Third quarter
HOU – Matt Ammendola 22-yard field goal, 9:27. Texans 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 5:33.
HOU – Devin Singletary 6-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 7:08. Texans 20–7. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards, 0:51.
CIN – Evan McPherson 50-yard field goal, 3:00. Texans 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 4:08.
CIN – Ja'Marr Chase 64-yard pass from Joe Burrow (Evan McPherson kick), 0:10. Texans 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 73 yards, 1:23. Fourth quarter
HOU – C. J. Stroud 8-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 12:47. Texans 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:23.
CIN – Joe Mixon 1-yard run (Evan McPherson kick), 3:18. Texans 27–24. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:15.
CIN – Evan McPherson 31-yard field goal, 1:33. Tied 27–27. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 0:37.
HOU – Matt Ammendola 38-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 30–27. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 1:33.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 11: vs. Arizona Cardinals [ edit ]
Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Cardinals
10
0
6 0 16
Texans 7
14
0 0 21
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Devin Singletary 11-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 11:20. Texans 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:01.
HOU – Tank Dell 40-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Matt Ammendola kick), 0:26. Texans 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 1:49. Third quarter
ARI – Kyler Murray 1-yard run (run failed), 2:52. Texans 21–16. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:23. Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ]
Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Jaguars 3
10
8 3 24
Texans
0
7
7 7 21
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
JAX – Brandon McManus 40-yard field goal, 5:54. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:54. Second quarter
JAX – Trevor Lawrence 1-yard run (Brand McManus kick), 9:43. Jaguars 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:39.
HOU – Tank Dell 7-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Matt Ammendola kick), 6:37. Jaguars 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:06.
JAX – Brandon McManus 48-yard field goal, 2:24. Jaguars 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 4:13. Third quarter
HOU – C. J. Stroud 1-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 8:10. Texans 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:39.
JAX – Calvin Ridley 1-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Trevor Lawrence–Calvin Ridley pass), 4:29. Jaguars 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:41. Fourth quarter
JAX – Brandon McManus 53-yard field goal, 11:20. Jaguars 24–14. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 6:13.
HOU – Nico Collins 17-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Matt Ammendola kick), 5:15. Jaguars 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:50.
Top passers
JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 23/38, 364 yards, TD, INT
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 26/36, 304 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
JAX – Travis Etienne – 20 rushes, 56 yards
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 6 rushes, 47 yards, TD Top receivers
JAX – Calvin Ridley – 5 receptions, 89 yards, TD
HOU – Nico Collins – 7 receptions, 104 yards, TD
Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos [ edit ]
Week 13: Denver Broncos at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Broncos
0
3
7 7 17
Texans 10
3
3 6 22
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date : December 3Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 71,670Referee : Shawn Smith TV announcers (CBS) : Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan WashburnRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
HOU – Matt Ammendola 29-yard field goal, 10:11. Texans 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:03.
HOU – Dameon Pierce 3-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 3:49. Texans 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:22. Second quarter
HOU – Matt Ammendola 38-yard field goal, 12:54. Texans 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:12.
DEN – Wil Lutz 34-yard field goal, 1:24. Texans 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 5:09. Third quarter
HOU – Matt Ammendola 38-yard field goal, 8:51. Texans 16–3. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 4:02.
DEN – Courtland Sutton 45-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick), 4:47. Texans 16–10. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:20. Fourth quarter
HOU – Nico Collins 3-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (pass failed), 14:16. Texans 22–10. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:43.
DEN – Russell Wilson 1-yard run (Wil Lutz kick), 12:04. Texans 22–17. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:12.
Top passers
DEN – Russell Wilson – 15/26, 186 yards, TD, 3 INT
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 16/27, 274 yards, TD Top rushers
DEN – Javonte Williams – 13 rushes, 46 yards
HOU – Dameon Pierce – 15 rushes, 41 yards, TD Top receivers
DEN – Jerry Jeudy – 3 receptions, 51 yards
HOU – Nico Collins – 9 receptions, 191 yards, TD
Week 14: at New York Jets [ edit ]
Week 14: Houston Texans at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans
0
0
6 0 6
Jets 0
0
14 16 30
at MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : December 10Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Rain, 58 °F (14 °C)Game attendance : 72,956Referee : Brad Allen TV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
NYJ – Breece Hall 3-yard pass from Zach Wilson (Greg Zuerlein kick), 9:27. Jets 21–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:33.
NYJ – Greg Zuerlein 51-yard field goal, 6:51. Jets 24–6. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:20.
NYJ – Greg Zuerlein 55-yard field goal, 4:30. Jets 27–6. Drive: 5 plays, 6 yards, 1:43.
NYJ – Greg Zuerlein 44-yard field goal, 1:08. Jets 30–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yards, 2:10.
Top passers
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 10/23, 91 yards
NYJ – Zach Wilson – 27/36, 301 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
HOU – Devin Singletary – 13 rushes, 65 yards, TD
NYJ – Breece Hall – 10 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers
Week 15: at Tennessee Titans [ edit ]
Week 15: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Texans 0
3
6 7 3 19
Titans
6
7
0 3 0 16
at Nissan Stadium , Nashville, Tennessee
Date : December 17Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)Game attendance : 66,219Referee : Clete Blakeman TV announcers (CBS) : Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi KinkhabwalaRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
TEN – Will Levis 1-yard run (kick failed), 7:09. Titans 6–0. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:46. Second quarter
TEN – Elijah Molden 44-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 13:56. Titans 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:55.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Titans 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 52 yards, 5:38. Third quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 27-yard field goal, 6:27. Titans 13–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 5:50.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 53-yard field goal, 2:42. Titans 13–9. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 1:55. Fourth quarter
TEN – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 7:28. Titans 16–9. Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 4:45.
HOU – Noah Brown 3-yard pass from Case Keenum (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:03. Tied 16–16. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:25. Overtime
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 19–16. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 1:43.
Top passers
HOU – Case Keenum – 23/36, 229 yards, TD, INT
TEN – Will Levis – 17/26, 199 yards, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
HOU – Noah Brown – 8 receptions, 82 yards, TD
TEN – Treylon Burks – 3 receptions, 62 yards
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns [ edit ]
Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Browns 7
15
6 8 36
Texans
0
7
0 15 22
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date : December 24Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 70,831Referee : Tra BlakeTV announcers (CBS) : Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan WashburnRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
CLE – Amari Cooper 7-yard pass from Joe Flacco (run failed), 2:35. Browns 28–7. Drive: 18 plays, 94 yards, 9:39. Fourth quarter
CLE – Kareem Hunt 1-yard run (Joe Flacco-Amari Cooper pass), 12:31. Browns 36–7. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:06.
HOU – Nico Collins 5-yard pass from Davis Mills (Davis Mills-Nico Collins pass), 6:08. Browns 36–15. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 1:58.
HOU – Andrew Beck 1-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 4:12. Browns 36–22. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 1:56.
Top passers
CLE – Joe Flacco – 27/42, 368 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
HOU – Davis Mills – 15/32, 149 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
CLE – Jerome Ford – 15 rushes, 25 yards, TD
HOU – Devin Singletary – 9 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers
CLE – Amari Cooper – 11 receptions, 265 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Dalton Schultz – 8 receptions, 61 yards
Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans [ edit ]
Week 17: Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Titans
0
3
0 0 3
Texans 3
17
3 3 26
at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Date : December 31Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : None (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 71,517Referee : Scott NovakTV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Robert Smith and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 28-yard field goal, 7:17. Texans 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 6:47. Second quarter
HOU – Brevin Jordan 12-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 10:10. Texans 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 7:30.
HOU – Sheldon Rankins 13-yard fumble return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 10:02. Texans 17–0.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 38-yard field goal, 4:17. Texans 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:58.
TEN – Nick Folk 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 1:11. Third quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 27-yard field goal, 9:35. Texans 23–3. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:25. Fourth quarter
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 51-yard field goal, 5:33. Texans 26–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 2:03.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 18: at Indianapolis Colts [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
HOU – Andrew Beck 1-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 1:57. Texans 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 4:26.
IND – Matt Gay 52-yard field goal, 0:35. Texans 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:22. Third quarter
IND – Jonathan Taylor 49-yard run (Gardner Minshew –Mo Alie-Cox pass), 9:56. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:50.
HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 51-yard field goal, 3:39. Texans 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 1:58. Fourth quarter
IND – Matt Gay 35-yard field goal, 13:33. Tied 17–17. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:06.
HOU – Devin Singletary 3-yard run (kick failed), 6:20. Texans 23–17. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 7:13.
IND – Cameron Johnston run out of end zone for a safety, 0:01. Texans 23–19.
Top passers
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 20/26, 264 yards, 2 TD
IND – Gardner Minshew – 13/24, 141 yards Top rushers
HOU – Devin Singletary – 24 rushes, 63 yards, TD
IND – Jonathan Taylor – 30 rushes, 188 yards, TD Top receivers
HOU – Nico Collins – 9 receptions, 195 yards, TD
IND – Josh Downs – 3 receptions, 48 yards
Down 6, the Colts drove the ball to the Houston 15 yard line before failing to convert on 4th and 1 with 1:06 remaining thus sealing the game for the Texans. With the win, the Texans clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2019 and finished the regular season with a record of 10–7. The 10 wins also broke the franchise record for most wins in a season by a first-year head coach. The following day, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans ; as a result of the Jaguars' loss, the Texans won the AFC South.
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division leaders
1
Baltimore Ravens
North
13
4
0
.765
3–3
8–4
.543
.529
L1
2[ a] [ b]
Buffalo Bills
East
11
6
0
.647
4–2
7–5
.471
.471
W5
3[ a]
Kansas City Chiefs
West
11
6
0
.647
4–2
9–3
.481
.428
W2
4
Houston Texans
South
10
7
0
.588
4–2
7–5
.474
.465
W2
Wild cards
5[ c]
Cleveland Browns
North
11
6
0
.647
3–3
8–4
.536
.513
L1
6[ b] [ c]
Miami Dolphins
East
11
6
0
.647
4–2
7–5
.450
.358
L2
7
Pittsburgh Steelers
North
10
7
0
.588
5–1
7–5
.540
.571
W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[ d]
Cincinnati Bengals
North
9
8
0
.529
1–5
4–8
.574
.536
W1
9[ d] [ e]
Jacksonville Jaguars
South
9
8
0
.529
4–2
6–6
.533
.477
L1
10[ e]
Indianapolis Colts
South
9
8
0
.529
3–3
7–5
.491
.444
L1
11[ f]
Las Vegas Raiders
West
8
9
0
.471
4–2
6–6
.488
.426
W1
12[ f]
Denver Broncos
West
8
9
0
.471
3–3
5–7
.488
.485
L1
13
New York Jets
East
7
10
0
.412
2–4
4–8
.502
.454
W1
14
Tennessee Titans
South
6
11
0
.353
1–5
4–8
.522
.422
W1
15
Los Angeles Chargers
West
5
12
0
.294
1–5
3–9
.529
.388
L5
16
New England Patriots
East
4
13
0
.235
2–4
4–8
.522
.529
L2
Tiebreakers [ g]
^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head sweep.
^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Miami based on conference record.
^ a b Cincinnati finished ahead of Jacksonville based on head-to-head victory. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Indianapolis (see below).
^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head sweep.
^ a b Las Vegas finished ahead of Denver based on head-to-head sweep.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
[ edit ]
AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (5) Cleveland Browns at (4) Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Browns
7
7
0 0 14
Texans 10
14
14 7 45
at NRG Stadium , Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
CLE – Kareem Hunt 11-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Riley Patterson kick), 12:18. Browns 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:53.
HOU – Brevin Jordan 76-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 12:00. Texans 17–14. Drive: 1 play, 76 yards, 0:18.
HOU – Dalton Schultz 37-yard pass from C. J. Stroud (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 1:11. Texans 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:33. Third quarter
HOU – Steven Nelson 82-yard interception return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 6:05. Texans 31–14.
HOU – Christian Harris 36-yard interception return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 4:06. Texans 38–14. Fourth quarter
HOU – Devin Singletary 19-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 4:06. Texans 45–14. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 3:00.
Top passers
CLE – Joe Flacco – 34/46, 307 yards, TD, 2 INT
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 16/21, 274 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
CLE – Kareem Hunt – 8 rushes, 26 yards, TD
HOU – Devin Singletary – 13 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers
CLE – David Njoku – 7 receptions, 93 yards
HOU – Nico Collins – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD
[ edit ]
AFC Divisional Playoffs: (4) Houston Texans at (1) Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans
3
7
0 0 10
Ravens 3
7
7 17 34
at M&T Bank Stadium , Baltimore, Maryland
Game information
First quarter
BAL – Justin Tucker 53-yard field goal, 8:36. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 5:55.
HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 50-yard field goal, 0:28. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 23 yards, 2:54. Second quarter
Third quarter
BAL – Lamar Jackson 15-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 12:04. Ravens 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:56. Fourth quarter
BAL – Isaiah Likely 15-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 14:23. Ravens 24–10. Drive: 12 plays, 93 yards, 7:03.
BAL – Lamar Jackson 8-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 6:20. Ravens 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 7:10.
BAL – Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal, 1:56. Ravens 34–10. Drive: 8 plays, 8 yards, 3:08.
Top passers
HOU – C. J. Stroud – 18/32, 165 yards
BAL – Lamar Jackson – 16/22, 152 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
HOU – Devin Singletary – 9 rushes, 22 yards
BAL – Lamar Jackson – 11 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
^ The other teams to make the playoffs with a rookie QB and HC were:
Category
Total yards
Yards per game
NFL rank(out of 32)
Passing offense
4,173
245.5
7th
Rushing offense
1,647
96.9
23rd
Total offense[ 30]
5,820
342.4
12th
Passing defense
3,979
234.1
23rd
Rushing defense
1,643
96.6
6th
Total defense[ 31]
5,622
330.7
14th
Source :[ 32]
^ "Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. Named to 2024 Pro Bowl Games" . houstontexans.com . January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024 .^ "Stroud has 5 TDs and rookie-record 470 yards passing to lift Texans past Bucs 39-27" . ESPN.com . Associated Press. November 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023 .^ Sutelan, Edward (January 6, 2024). "Rookie QB-coach to make playoffs: Texans' DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud make history as fifth postseason team with rookie duo" . The Sporting News . Retrieved January 8, 2024 . ^ C.J. Stroud, Texans dominate Browns in wild-card rout , ABC13, January 13, 2024^ Patra, Kevin (February 8, 2024). "Texans QB C.J. Stroud named AP 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year" . NFL.com . Retrieved June 19, 2024 . ^ Patra, Kevin (February 8, 2024). "Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. wins AP 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year" . NFL.com . Retrieved June 19, 2024 . ^ Gordon, Grant (January 8, 2023). "Texnas fire head coach Lovie Smith after just one season" . NFL.com . Retrieved December 15, 2023 . ^ Patra, Kevin (January 31, 2023). "Texans hire 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans as their next head coach" . NFL.com . Retrieved June 6, 2023 . ^ Root, Jess (April 28, 2023). "Cardinals trade No. 3 pick to Texans" . Yahoo Sports . Retrieved April 28, 2023 . ^ "Browns trade for Texans QB Deshaun Watson in deal that includes three first-round picks" . NFL.com . March 18, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2023 .^ "Eagles trade 62nd pick to Texans for pick Nos. 65, 188 and 230 overall" . USA Today EaglesWire . April 30, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023 .^ "Rams trade down from No. 69 to 73 in deal with Texans" . USA Today RamsWire . April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023 .^ a b c Edmonds, Charlotte (April 29, 2023). "Tracking every trade made during the 2023 NFL Draft" . NBC Sports . Retrieved May 1, 2023 . ^ "Texans forfeit 2023 fifth-round pick, fined 175K for salary cap reporting violation" . NFL . March 9, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023 .^ Baca, Michael (March 19, 2023). "Cowboys acquiring WR Brandin Cooks in trade with Texans" . NFL.com . Retrieved March 21, 2023 . ^ Smith, Scott (March 15, 2023). "Bucs Trade Shaq Mason to Texans" . Buccaneers.com . Retrieved April 23, 2023 . ^ "New Orleans Saints complete trade with Houston Texans for CB Bradley Roby" . ESPN.com . September 9, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2023 .^ "Eagles trade with Texans again; Houston returns to Round 7 with two picks" . USA Today TexansWire . April 30, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023 .^ Williams, Charean (August 30, 2022). "Vikings acquire Ross Blacklock from Texans" . Pro Football Talk . NBC Sports. Retrieved April 27, 2023 . ^ Eisen, Michael (August 16, 2021). "Giants acquire DB Keion Crossen in trade with Texans" . Giants.com . Retrieved April 27, 2023 . ^ "Texans trade with Bills to take Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson No. 205 overall in Round 6 of 2023 NFL draft" . USA Today TexansWire . April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023 .^ Lange, Randy (March 18, 2022). "Jets Trade LB Blake Cashman to Texans for 2023 Sixth-Round Pick" . New York Jets. ^ "49ers Announce a Series of Roster Moves ahead of Nov. 2 Trade Deadline" . 49ers.com . November 2, 2021.^ Lane, Mark (August 1, 2023). "Houston Texans Transactions (8-1-2023)" . houstontexans.com . Houston Texans . Retrieved April 1, 2024 . ^ a b Lane, Mark (May 12, 2023). "Texans sign 9 undrafted free agents" . Texans Wire. Retrieved August 30, 2023 . ^ Lane, Mark (May 17, 2023). "Texans sign TE Jordan Murray, waive P Joe Doyle" . Texans Wire . Retrieved June 3, 2024 . ^ Williams, Charean (November 5, 2023). "Texans will play second half without K Ka'imi Fairbairn" . NBC Sports . Retrieved November 5, 2023 . ^ "C.J. Stroud sets rookie record with 470 yards in Texans' 39-37 comeback win" . NBC Sports . November 5, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023 .^ "Texans Top Bucs' Comeback, Deliver Loss in Houston" .^ "2023 NFL Team Total Offense Stats" . ESPN. Retrieved January 13, 2024 .^ "2023 NFL Team Total Defense Stats" . ESPN. Retrieved January 13, 2024 .^ "2023 Texans Statistics" . Houston Texans. Retrieved January 13, 2024 .
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