Texans Match Cardinals' Playoff Wins, Challenging NFL's Oldest Franchise

The Houston Texans have tied the Arizona Cardinals in total playoff victories, raising questions about the legacy of the league's oldest team.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game between the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the dynamic energy of the matchup.The surprising statistical tie between the upstart Texans and the historic Cardinals reflects the evolving landscape of the modern NFL.Houston Today

The Houston Texans, the NFL's newest franchise, have now matched the Arizona Cardinals, the league's oldest team, with 7 total playoff wins. If the Texans secure another win this Sunday against the Patriots, they will surpass the Cardinals in playoff victories, despite the Cardinals' century-long history in the league.

Why it matters

This surprising statistic highlights the Texans' impressive rise in the modern, highly competitive NFL, while also raising questions about the Cardinals' storied legacy as the league's oldest franchise. The debate centers around whether this tie diminishes the Cardinals' historical significance or showcases the Texans' efficiency in a short period of time.

The details

The Texans have clinched 7 playoff wins since joining the NFL in 2002, including victories in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024. Meanwhile, the Cardinals' playoff history dates back to 1925, when they won their first NFL championship, though that was based on regular-season records. Their first true playoff win came in 1947, and they've added 3 more during their 2008 Super Bowl run, as well as victories over the Packers in 2009 and 2015.

  • The Texans joined the NFL in 2002.
  • The Texans clinched their 7th playoff win in the 2026 wild card round against the Steelers.
  • The Texans will face the Patriots this Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Houston Texans

The NFL's newest franchise, having joined the league in 2002.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL's oldest franchise, with roots dating back to 1898 and a spot in the league's inaugural 1920 season.

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What’s next

If the Texans secure another win this Sunday against the Patriots, they will surpass the Cardinals in total playoff victories.

The takeaway

This surprising statistic showcases the Texans' rapid rise as a competitive franchise in the modern NFL, while also raising questions about the legacy and significance of the league's oldest team, the Arizona Cardinals. The debate centers around whether this tie in playoff wins diminishes the Cardinals' historical importance or highlights the Texans' impressive efficiency in a short period of time.