Texans Eye Franchise First: A Third Straight Double-Digit Win Season on the Line Against Raiders
The Houston Texans are staring down a chance to make history this weekend-and not the kind that’s padded with empty stats or moral victories. We’re talking about something this franchise has never done in its 24-year existence: stacking up double-digit wins in three straight seasons.
That opportunity comes Sunday when they host Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders in what could be a defining moment of the Demeco Ryans era. A win would give Houston its 10th of the season and officially put this squad in uncharted territory-territory that even the best Texans teams of the past couldn’t quite reach.
From Rock Bottom to Rising Power
Let’s rewind for a second. Just a few years ago, Houston was a team stuck in the mud.
From 2020 to 2022, they went 11-38-1. That’s not just bad-that’s the kind of stretch that forces an organization to look in the mirror and start over.
Enter Demeco Ryans in January 2023. The former Texans linebacker returned to town with a vision, and alongside GM Nick Caserio-who had already been laying groundwork since 2021-they’ve pulled off one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent NFL memory.
Since Ryans took over, Houston has gone 29-19. That includes back-to-back AFC South titles and two dominant Wild Card playoff wins, where they outscored the Browns and Chargers by a combined 77-26. That’s not just winning-that’s asserting control.
But more than the numbers, Ryans and Caserio have rebuilt the Texans’ identity. What was once a fractured, directionless franchise now has a clear voice, a strong locker room, and a culture that actually means something. And now, they’re on the cusp of another major milestone.
History on the Line
The Texans have had good seasons before-2011-2012, 2018-2019-but consistency was never their strong suit. Both of those runs were followed by steep drop-offs, including a 2-14 campaign in 2013 and a 4-12 mark in 2020. This time, though, feels different.
This time, Houston’s not just hanging around-they’re building. They’ve weathered injuries, leaned into their depth, and found ways to win close games. That’s the kind of resilience that separates playoff teams from playoff threats.
And now, with three games left-Raiders, Chargers, Colts-they’ve got a shot to not only hit 10 wins again but potentially take another AFC South crown.
Divisional Stakes Still in Play
Speaking of the division, it’s still very much in play. Jacksonville currently leads the AFC South at 10-3, but the Texans aren’t out of the race just yet. The two teams split their season series, so if Houston can win out and the Jaguars stumble-possibly against Denver-it could come down to tiebreakers.
If Houston pulls it off, they’d claim their third straight division title, which would be a franchise first. It would also tie them with the Colts for the most AFC South titles (nine) since the division was formed in 2002. That’s rare air, and it’s within reach.
And let’s not forget: this team started the season 0-3. To be talking about playoff seeding and division banners in December is a testament to the Texans’ resilience and Ryans’ steady leadership.
Staying Grounded, Aiming Higher
Throughout the season, Ryans has kept his team grounded with a simple mantra: “One game at a time.” It’s a cliché until it’s not-until you see a team actually live it out, week after week. That mindset has helped this group stay focused, even as the stakes have grown.
Still, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate just how far this franchise has come. It wasn’t that long ago that the Deshaun Watson trade request sent the Texans into a tailspin. The roster was thin, the direction unclear, and the future cloudy at best.
Now? The Texans are not only back-they’re building something sustainable. They’ve got a coach who’s earned the locker room’s trust, a front office that’s made smart, patient moves, and a team that’s playing with confidence and purpose.
One Win Away From a New Chapter
Sunday’s matchup against the Raiders isn’t just another game-it’s a chance to turn the page on the old Texans and write a new chapter in franchise history. Win No. 10 would be more than just a number. It would be a symbol of progress, of stability, and of what’s possible when a team buys in and builds the right way.
So here we are. Three games left.
A division title still on the table. A shot at history just one win away.
The Texans aren’t looking too far ahead. But the rest of us? We can’t help but wonder-what’s next?
Is Demeco Ryans already on his way to becoming the greatest coach in Texans history? If he keeps this up, it might not even be a debate.