Here’s a jaw-dropping NFL fact that’s sure to spark debate: the league’s newest franchise, the Houston Texans, and its oldest, the Arizona Cardinals, are now tied with the same number of playoff wins—seven. Yes, you read that right. The Texans, who joined the NFL in 2002, have matched the Cardinals, a team with roots dating back to 1898 and a spot in the league’s inaugural 1920 season. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: if the Texans secure another win this Sunday against the Patriots, they’ll surpass the Cardinals in playoff victories. And this is the part most people miss—the Cardinals, despite their century-long history, would then rank dead last among the NFL’s 32 teams in all-time playoff wins.
Let’s break it down. The Texans clinched their seventh playoff win in the wild card round against the Steelers, adding to their previous victories in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024. While they’ve never advanced past the divisional round, their steady accumulation of wins is nothing to scoff at. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ playoff history is a bit more complex. They won their first NFL championship in 1925, but back then, the title was awarded based on regular-season records—no playoffs involved. Their first true playoff win came in 1947, when they claimed the NFL Championship Game. After a long drought, they beat the Cowboys in 1998, followed by three wins during their 2008 Super Bowl run, and victories over the Packers in 2009 and 2015.
But here’s the controversial question: Does this tie in playoff wins diminish the Cardinals’ legacy as the NFL’s oldest franchise? Or does it highlight the Texans’ impressive efficiency in their short history? Some might argue that the Cardinals’ longevity deserves more credit, while others could point to the Texans’ ability to compete in a modern, highly competitive league. What’s your take? Let’s hear it in the comments—is this a testament to the Texans’ rise, or a surprising gap in the Cardinals’ storied history?
