The 2017 season was the Houston Texans' 16th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Bill O'Brien.
The Texans clinched their first losing season since 2013 (and their first under Bill O'Brien), and finished in last place in the AFC South for the first time since 2013.
Savage could not fill the void and the Texans limped to a 4–12 finish, tied for second-worst in the AFC standings with the Indianapolis Colts.
The team was also affected by the loss of defensive end J. J. Watt, who for the second consecutive season was lost early, this time after suffering an injury in Week 5.
Notes On January 16, the Texans and offensive coordinator George Godsey mutually parted ways after the team finished 29th in total yards for the 2016 season.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve † The game was originally scheduled for August 31, and to be moved from its original venue, NRG Stadium, to the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium, due to public safety concerns regarding flooding in the Houston area from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey.
Tom Savage started at quarterback for Houston and was sacked 6 times for a total loss of 33 yards.
Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the game in the second half and ended the first drive on a 4-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins.
Watson didn't fare much better behind the poor offensive line play, being sacked 4 times for a total loss of 21 yards with one fumble.
The Texans never punted during the first half, with four drives ending in a touchdown and one in a 50-yard field goal from Kaʻimi Fairbairn.
Coming back from a blowout win against Tennessee, the Texans went to face an undefeated Chiefs team.
The Texans suffered a serious blow when quarterback Deshaun Watson tore his ACL during practice and was lost for the season.
Brissett fumbled the football on the sack with it being recovered by Lamarr Houston who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown.
[16] Savage turned the ball over twice in the game, fumbling after being sacked by Budda Baker and throwing an interception to Patrick Peterson.
Savage took a hard hit from Elvis Dumervil and his hands were visibly shaking and had trouble rolling over on his side.
Savage's return was heavily criticized by fans, media members, and concussion experts, including Chris Nowinski.
With the loss, the Texans fell to 4–9, ensuring their first losing season under head coach Bill O'Brien.