Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans

In the fabric of NFL culture, rivalries are more than just games—they are traditions that shape a team’s identity, fuel fan passion, and create moments that stand the test of time. For the Houston Texans, a franchise with over two decades of history, their rivalry history is a tapestry of intense matchups, hard-fought victories, and lessons learned in defeat, all of which have helped define who they are as a team. These rivalries, often rooted in divisional competition or high-stakes playoff battles, are not just remembered for the scores on the scoreboard but for the emotions, camaraderie, and resilience they inspired. From last-second field goals that secured playoff spots to defensive stands that shut down opposing superstars, each chapter of the Texans’ rivalry history tells a story of determination and pride. Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans is a testament to the team’s journey, as these matchups have not only tested their skills but also strengthened their bond with the city of Houston. Whether revisiting classic games through team documentaries, honoring former players who shined in rivalry matchups, or preparing for upcoming showdowns by studying past battles, the Texans make a deliberate effort to keep their rivalry history alive, ensuring that new generations of players and fans understand the legacy they carry forward.

Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans begins with their most enduring divisional rivalry: the battle against the Indianapolis Colts. Since the Texans joined the NFL in 2002, their matchups with the Colts have been marked by intensity, drama, and high stakes, often deciding the fate of the AFC South division. One of the most memorable chapters in this rivalry unfolded in the 2018 season, when the Texans faced the Colts in a winner-takes-all game for the division title. With the score tied in the final minutes, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson led a historic drive, connecting with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 23-yard touchdown pass with just 23 seconds left to secure the win. That moment, now etched in Texans folklore, symbolized the team’s ability to rise to the occasion against their biggest divisional foe. The rivalry has also been defined by legendary individual battles, such as the showdowns between Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, consistently tormented Luck, recording 14 sacks and multiple forced fumbles in their matchups, becoming a fan favorite for his ability to disrupt the Colts’ offense. Even in seasons when the Texans struggled, their games against the Colts remained must-watch events, as the team always brought their best effort to compete against their divisional rivals. This rivalry has not only created unforgettable moments but has also pushed the Texans to improve year after year, knowing that every game against the Colts is a chance to prove their dominance in the AFC South.

Another key chapter in Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans is their rivalry with the Tennessee Titans, a fellow AFC South opponent whose matchups have been defined by physicality and back-and-forth competition. Unlike the high-scoring battles with the Colts, Texans-Titans games often turn into defensive slugfests, with both teams relying on their running games and hard-hitting defenses to gain the upper hand. One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry came in the 2020 season, when the Texans faced the Titans in the AFC Wild Card Round. In a game that saw multiple lead changes, the Titans took a late lead with a field goal, but the Texans had one final chance to win. Quarterback Deshaun Watson led a drive to the Titans’ 22-yard line, but a last-second pass intended for Hopkins was intercepted, ending the Texans’ season. While the loss was devastating, it highlighted the intensity of the rivalry, as both teams left everything on the field. The rivalry has also been shaped by memorable individual performances, such as Texans running back Arian Foster’s 174-yard rushing game against the Titans in 2010, which helped the Texans secure their first-ever playoff berth. Over the years, these matchups have become a source of pride for both fan bases, with Texans fans packing NRG Stadium in sea of deep steel blue and battle red, chanting “Texans!” to drown out the Titans’ supporters. This rivalry remains a cornerstone of the Texans’ history, as it represents the team’s ability to compete in tough, physical games against a worthy opponent.

A rivalry that holds a special place in Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans is their matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, a cross-state rivalry known as the “Texas Bowl” that transcends divisional boundaries. While the Texans and Cowboys only play each other once every four years in the regular season (due to NFL scheduling rules), their games are always highly anticipated, as they represent a battle for bragging rights across the entire state of Texas. The first meeting between the two teams in 2002 was a historic moment for the Texans, as it marked their first-ever game against the state’s most iconic NFL franchise. Although the Cowboys won that game 19-10, it laid the groundwork for a rivalry that would grow in intensity over the years. One of the most memorable Texans-Cowboys games came in 2018, when the Texans defeated the Cowboys 19-16 in overtime, with kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn hitting a 36-yard field goal to secure the win. The victory was especially sweet for the Houston Texans, as it came in front of a national audience and proved that they could compete with the Cowboys on the biggest stage. The rivalry is also fueled by off-field tension, with fans from both teams debating which franchise is the “true” representative of Texas football. For the Texans, these games are more than just regular-season matchups—they are a chance to honor the city of Houston and show that they belong among the state’s football elite. Even when the two teams aren’t playing, the rivalry remains alive in the minds of fans, who eagerly await the next opportunity to see the Texans take on the Cowboys.

Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans also includes their playoff rivalry with the New England Patriots, a matchup that tested the team’s ability to compete against one of the NFL’s most dominant franchises. The Texans and Patriots have faced off three times in the playoffs, with the Patriots winning all three games, but each matchup has been a learning experience that helped the Texans grow as a team. The first playoff meeting in 2012 saw the Patriots defeat the Texans 41-28, but the Texans put up a strong fight, with quarterback Matt Schaub throwing for 343 yards and two touchdowns. The second meeting in 2016 was even more competitive, with the Texans leading 21-20 at halftime before the Patriots pulled away in the second half to win 34-16. The most recent playoff matchup in 2019 was a defensive battle, with the Patriots winning 28-22 in overtime, but the Houston Texans showed incredible resilience, coming back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. These games against the Patriots taught the Texans valuable lessons about playoff football, such as the importance of consistency and avoiding mistakes in high-pressure situations. While the losses were difficult, they also motivated the team to improve, as they sought to one day defeat the Patriots and establish themselves as a true playoff contender. For the Texans, this rivalry is a reminder of how far they’ve come and how much more they can achieve, as they continue to work toward beating the NFL’s top teams.

As the Houston Texans look to the future, Rivalry History Remembered by Houston Texans will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity and motivating players to succeed. The franchise makes a deliberate effort to honor this history, from hanging banners of classic rivalry wins in the team’s practice facility to inviting former players who starred in these matchups to speak to the current roster. For example, J.J. Watt, who was a key figure in the Texans’ rivalries with the Colts and Titans, often returns to Houston to share stories of past battles, inspiring young players to embrace the intensity of these matchups. The Texans also use their rivalry history as a tool for preparation, with coaches studying film of past games against upcoming opponents to identify strengths, weaknesses, and strategies that worked in the past. For the Houston Texans, these rivalries are not just about winning games—they are about honoring the legacy of the team and the city of Houston. As new players join the roster, they are taught about the importance of these matchups, ensuring that the rivalry history remains alive for years to come. Whether facing the Colts for the division title, the Cowboys for state bragging rights, or the Patriots in the playoffs, the Texans will always remember their rivalry history, using it as fuel to compete at the highest level and make new memories that will be added to the team’s rich legacy.