The 2011 season was the Houston Texans' 10th in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth under head coach Gary Kubiak.

Third stringer T.J. Yates filled in, and earned the franchise's first playoff berth by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 20–19 in Week 14 and clinching the AFC South.

After reaching the Divisional match against the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans suffered their maiden loss in the NFL Playoffs, losing 20–13.

Prior to the season, former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips was hired as defensive coordinator, replacing Frank Bush, who was fired.

The Texans began their season at home against the AFC South division foes, Colts.

The day before the game Al Davis passed away at the age of 82 due to heart failure.

However, Matt Schaub was lost for the season due to a Lisfranc injury on his right foot.

With the last-second win, the Texans improved to 10–3 and clinched the franchise's first playoff berth and AFC South division title.

To avoid overtime and further injuries, head coach Gary Kubiak decided to try a two-point conversion.

Tight end Joel Dreessen was flagged for a false start, moving the Texans back 5 yards.

The attempt would ultimately fail as backup center Thomas Austin snapped the ball over Delhomme.

Neil Rackers would attempt an onside kick, but it was recovered by Lavelle Hawkins for the Titans, securing a win for Tennessee.

Making their NFL postseason debut as the AFC's #3 seed, the Texans began their playoff run at home in the AFC Wild Card Round against the #6 Cincinnati Bengals, in a rematch of their Week 14 contest.

Cincinnati struck back in the second quarter with kicker Mike Nugent getting a 37-yard field goal, but Houston took the lead with a 39-yard field goal from kicker Neil Rackers, followed by rookie defensive end J.J. Watt returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown.