2021 Houston Texans season

On January 7, 2021, the Texans hired Nick Caserio as the team's new General manager. Caserio spend 20 years with the New England Patriots.{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Hire Nick Caserio as General Manager |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-hire-nick-caserio-as-general-manager |work=HoustonTexans.com|date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 7, 2021}} On January 29, 2021, the Texans hired Ravens assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and passing coordinator David Culley as the team's new head coach.

{{main|2021 NFL draft}}

{{NFL team draft start

| year = 2021

| teamname = Houston Texans

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 3

| pick = 67

| player = Davis Mills

| position = QB

| college = Stanford

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 3

| pick = 89

| player = Nico Collins

| position = WR

| college = Michigan

| notes = from Cleveland via Carolina

| maderoster = yes

| probowl = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 5

| pick = 147

| player = Brevin Jordan

| position = TE

| college = Miami (FL)

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 5

| pick = 170

| player = Garret Wallow

| position = LB

| college = TCU

| notes = from Cleveland via Jacksonville and L.A. Rams

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 6

| pick = 195

| player = Roy Lopez

| position = DT

| college = Arizona

| notes = from Dallas via New England

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft end|hof=no|probowl=yes}}

{{main|NFL Top 100 Players of 2021}}

NFL Network began announcing its annual top 100 list on August 15, 2021. Two players were named to the list.

{{NFL final staff

|Year=2021

|TeamName=Houston Texans

|Front Office=

• Owner – Janice McNair
• CEO – Cal McNair
• President – Greg Grissom
• General manager – Nick Caserio
• Executive vice president of football operations – Jack Easterby
• Executive vice president/general counsel – Greg Kondritz
• Director of football operations – Clay Hampton
• Assistant director of player personnel – Matt Bazirgan
• Assistant director of player personnel – James Liipfert
• Senior advisor for football performance – Romeo Crennel
• Director of team development – Dylan Thompson

|Head Coaches=

• Head coach – David Culley
• Associate head coach/defensive coordinator – Lovie Smith

|Offensive Coaches=

• Offensive coordinator – Tim Kelly
• Passing game coordinator/quarterbacks – Pep Hamilton
• Running backs – Danny Barrett
• Wide receivers – Robert Prince
• Assistant wide receivers/offensive assistant – Ben McDaniels
• Tight ends – Andy Bischoff
• Offensive line – James Campen
• Assistant offensive line/offensive assistant – Robert Kugler
• Offensive assistant – DeNarius McGhee

|Defensive Coaches=

• Defensive line – Bobby King
• Assistant defensive line/defensive assistant – Allen Smith
• Linebackers – Miles Smith
• Cornerbacks – Dino Vasso
• Safeties – Greg Jackson
• Defensive assistant – Ilir Emini
• Defensive assistant – Ben Bolling

|Special Teams Coaches=

• Special teams coordinator – Frank Ross
• Assistant special teams – Sean Baker

|Strength and Conditioning=

• Head strength and conditioning – Mike Eubanks
• Assistant strength and conditioning coach – James Hardy
• Assistant strength and conditioning coach – Joe Distor
• Assistant strength and conditioning coach – Pat Moorer

}}

{{NFL final roster

|Year=2021

|TeamName=Houston Texans

|Active=52

|Inactive=13

|Exempt=

|PS=16

|PS-exempt=

|Quarterbacks=

{{NFLplayer|10|Davis Mills|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer| 5|Tyrod Taylor}}

{{NFLplayer| 4|Deshaun Watson}}

|Running Backs=

{{NFLplayer|28|Rex Burkhead}}

{{NFLplayer|26|Royce Freeman}}

{{NFLplayer|31|David Johnson|d=running back}}

|Wide Receivers=

{{NFLplayer|89|Danny Amendola}}

{{NFLplayer|12|Nico Collins|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|18|Chris Conley|d=American football}}

{{NFLplayer|13|Brandin Cooks}}

{{NFLplayer|15|Chris Moore|d=American football}}

|Tight Ends=

{{NFLplayer|88|Jordan Akins}}

{{NFLplayer|83|Antony Auclair}}

{{NFLplayer|85|Pharaoh Brown}}

{{NFLplayer| 9|Brevin Jordan|rookie=y}}

|Offensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|68|Justin Britt|C}}

{{NFLplayer|72|Geron Christian|T}}

{{NFLplayer|67|Charlie Heck|T}}

{{NFLplayer|71|Tytus Howard|G}}

{{NFLplayer|64|Justin McCray|G}}

{{NFLplayer|79|Jimmy Morrissey|C|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|74|Max Scharping|G}}

{{NFLplayer|65|Lane Taylor|G}}

|Defensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|90|Ross Blacklock|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|75|Ron'Dell Carter|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|97|Maliek Collins|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|52|Jonathan Greenard|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|50|Jordan Jenkins|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|93|Jaleel Johnson|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|91|Roy Lopez|d=American football|DT|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|54|Jacob Martin|d=American football|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|95|Derek Rivers|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|92|Chris Smith|d=defensive end|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|55|DeMarcus Walker|DE}}

|Linebackers=

{{NFLplayer|51|Kamu Grugier-Hill|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer|43|Neville Hewitt|d=American football|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|58|Christian Kirksey|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer|57|Kevin Pierre-Louis|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|32|Garret Wallow|MLB|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|59|Eric Wilson|d=linebacker, born 1994|MLB}}

|Defensive Backs=

{{NFLplayer| 8|Terrence Brooks|SS}}

{{NFLplayer| 1|Lonnie Johnson Jr.|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|25|Desmond King|d=American football|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|39|Terrance Mitchell|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|33|A. J. Moore|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|22|Jimmy Moreland|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|23|Eric Murray|d=American football|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|24|Tremon Smith|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|37|Tavierre Thomas|CB}}

|Special Teams=

{{NFLplayer| 7|Kaʻimi Fairbairn|K}}

{{NFLplayer|11|Cameron Johnston|d=American football|P}}

{{NFLplayer|46|Jon Weeks|LS}}

|Reserve Lists=

{{NFLplayer|35|Grayland Arnold|CB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|61|Marcus Cannon|T|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|81|Davion Davis|WR|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|--|Tae Davis|OLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer| 2|Phillip Dorsett|WR|IR}}

{{NFLplayer| 6|Jeff Driskel|TE|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|56|Hardy Nickerson Jr.|OLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|36|Jonathan Owens|SS|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|27|Scottie Phillips|RB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|20|Justin Reid|FS|COVID}}

{{NFLplayer|96|Vincent Taylor|d=American football|DT|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|66|Cole Toner|C|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|78|Laremy Tunsil|T|IR}}

|Practice Squad=

{{NFLplayer|30|Darius Anderson|RB}}

{{NFLplayer|17|Jalen Camp|WR|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|63|Sam Cooper|d=offensive lineman|G|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|98|Michael Dwumfour|DT|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|60|Jake Eldrenkamp|G}}

{{NFLplayer|62|Carson Green|T|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|14|T. J. Green|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|94|Demone Harris|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|86|Damon Hazelton|WR|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|21|Cre'Von LeBlanc|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|45|Paul Quessenberry|TE}}

{{NFLplayer|38|Jaylen Samuels|RB}}

{{NFLplayer|70|Jordan Steckler|T}}

{{NFLplayer|53|Connor Strachan|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|84|Jordan Veasy|WR}}

{{NFLplayer|40|Josh Watson|d=American football|MLB}}

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week One: Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|August 14, 2021}}

|time=7:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Texans

|R1=3|R2=10|R3=3|R4=10

|home=Packers

|H1=0|H2=7|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

|attendance=72,348

|weather=

|referee=

|TV=KTRK

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-packers-2021-pre-1 Recap]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 37-yard field goal, 7:48. Texans 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:33.

Second quarter

• GB – Kylin Hill 22-yard pass from Jordan Love (J. J. Molson kick), 14:15. Packers 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:13.
• HOU – Scottie Phillips 5-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 9:08. Texans 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:03.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbarin 25-yard field goal, 0:56. Texans 13–7. Drive: 17 plays, 71 yards, 6:01.

Third quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 41-yard field goal, 6:11. Texans 16–7. Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 3:57.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 42-yard field goal, 13:01. Texans 19–7. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:28.
• HOU – Darius Jackson 25-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 6:06. Texans 26–7. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:39.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 11/21, 112 yards, INT
• GB – Jordan Love – 12/17, 122 yards, TD

Top rushers

• HOU – Scottie Phillips – 13 rushes, 66 yards, TD
• GB – Dexter Williams – 4 rushes, 32 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Chris Conley – 4 receptions, 51 yards
• GB – Devin Funchess – 6 receptions, 70 yards

}}

Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback for the Texans, leading the team 57 yards downfield on his first drive, before the drive stalled at Green Bay's 19-yard line; the Texans would settle for a 37-yard field goal from Kaʻimi Fairbairn to take a 3–0 lead. This was the only drive Taylor would play, going 4-of-4 for 40 yards. Rookie quarterback Davis Mills entered the game on Houston's next drive, being sacked once and throwing an incomplete pass as the Texans went three-and-out. After the rough start, Mills would settle in and lead the Texans on two scoring drives, resulting in ten points. Late in the 2nd quarter, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love was sacked and fumbled the ball, with Jaleel Johnson recovering for Houston at the Green Bay 17-yard line; however, Mills would throw an interception on the very next play. Mills would briefly appear in the 2nd half before Jeff Driskel took over midway in the 3rd quarter. Driskel would remain the Texans' quarterback for the rest of the game; Driskel would only complete one pass out of six attempts for 2 yards. Late in the 4th quarter, Houston cornerback Tremon Smith intercepted a Kurt Benkert pass.

The three Texans' quarterbacks finished with a combined 16/32 for 149 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week Two: Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|August 21, 2021}}

|time=7:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Texans

|R1=7|R2=0|R3=7|R4=6

|home=Cowboys

|H1=7|H2=7|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

|attendance=

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Brad Rogers

|TV=KTRK

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-cowboys-2021-pre-2 Recap]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Mark Ingram II 2-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 11:06. Texans 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:04.
• DAL – Tony Pollard 8-yard pass from Cooper Rush (Lirim Hajrullahu kick), 3:36. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:15.

Second quarter

• DAL – Cedrick Wilson Jr. 9-yard pass from Cooper Rush (Lirim Hajrullahu kick), 1:48. Cowboys 14–7. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 6:11.

Third quarter

• HOU – Lonnie Johnson Jr. 53-yard interception return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 6:52. Tied 14–14.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 38-yard field goal, 11:35. Texans 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:15.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 24-yard field goal, 2:13. Texans 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 2:53.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 10/16, 115 yards
• DAL – Ben DiNucci – 14/19, 120 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 7 rushes, 24 yards, TD
• DAL – Rico Dowdle – 6 rushes, 31 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Jordan Veasy – 2 receptions, 30 yards
• DAL – Noah Brown – 3 receptions, 35 yards

}}

The Cowboys received the opening kickoff, with Houston defensive end Jacob Martin causing a fumble on the third play of the game, with Charles Omenihu recovering it for the Texans. Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback for Houston, leading the offense on a short drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run from Mark Ingram II Taylor would play for most of the 1st quarter before Davis Mills came in with 0:22 left; Taylor finished 2-of-5 for 10 yards. In the third quarter, cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. intercepted a Ben DiNucci pass and returned it 53 yards for a pick six touchdown. Shyheim Carter picked off a DiNucci pass in the 4th quarter, returning it 5 yards to the 50-yard line. Jeff Driskel took over at quarterback on the next drive, leading the team down to the red zone before the drive stalled, settling for a 24-yard field goal from Kaʻimi Fairbairn to give the Texans a 20–14 lead. Late in the 4th quarter, with the Cowboys trying to win the game, strong safety Terrence Brooks intercepted DiNucci, sealing the victory for the Texans.

The Texans only had 220 yards of offense versus the Cowboys' 308, but committed no turnovers while Dallas turned the ball over four times. The three Houston quarterbacks finished for a combined 13-of-23 for 131 yards.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|August 28, 2021}}

|time=7:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Buccaneers

|R1=6|R2=10|R3=7|R4=0

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=2|H3=8|H4=6

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=

|TV=KTRK

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/buccaneers-at-texans-2021-pre-3 Recap]

|scoring=

First quarter

• TB – Chris Goodwin 24-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick blocked), 10:12. Buccaneers 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 2:26.

Second quarter

• TB – Ronald Jones II 13-yard run (José Borregales kick), 11:43. Buccaneers 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 3:34.
• HOU – Blaine Gabbert sacked in end zone, 11:43. Buccaneers 13–2.
• TB – José Borregales 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Buccaneers 16–2. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 0:53.

Third quarter

• HOU – Nico Collins 11-yard pass from Davis Mills (Davis Mills pass to Keke Coutee), 8:44. Buccaneers 16–10. Drive: 1 play, 11 yards, 0:04.
• TB – Codey McElroy 20-yard pass from Kyle Trask (José Borregales kick), 5:13. Buccaneers 23–10. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:31.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Jordan Veasy 9-yard pass from Davis Mills (pass failed), 12:33. Buccaneers 23–16. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:40.

|stats=

Top passers

• TB – Tom Brady – 11/14, 154 yards, TD
• HOU – Davis Mills – 10/27, 106 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

• TB – Ke'Shawn Vaughn – 15 rushes, 29 yards
• HOU – Scottie Phillips – 8 rushes, 73 yards

Top receivers

• TB – Chris Goodwin – 3 receptions, 84 yards, TD
• HOU – Chris Moore – 2 receptions, 40 yards

}}

Kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn suffered an injury during pregame warmups, with safety Justin Reid handling the kickoffs for the Texans; Reid would not attempt any field goals or extra points, with the team opting to go for it on 4th down and attempt a two-point conversion after touchdowns.{{cite web|publisher=CBSSports|last=Dubin|first=Jared|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/look-texans-safety-justin-reid-does-opening-kickoff-in-2021-preseason-game-with-kaimi-fairbairn-injured/|title=LOOK: Texans safety Justin Reid does opening kickoff in 2021 preseason game with Ka'imi Fairbairn injured|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=August 29, 2021}}{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401326615|title=Brady throws touchdown pass as Buccaneers beat Texans 23–16|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=August 29, 2021}} Tyrod Taylor started at quarterback and played until midway of the 2nd quarter. Taylor left the game after losing a fumble on a sack, finishing 6-of-9 for 31 yards. Davis Mills would play for the rest of the game, going 10-of-27 for 106 yards with two touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Taylor and Mills finished for a combined 16-of-36 for 115 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Texans' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=September 12

|time=12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Jaguars

|R1=0|R2=7|R3=7|R4=7

|home=Texans

|H1=14|H2=13|H3=7|H4=3

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=68,105

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee= Land Clark

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/jaguars-at-texans-2021-reg-1 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58509/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Mark Ingram II 1-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 6:42. Texans 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 84 yards, 7:02.
• HOU – David Johnson 7-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Joey Slye kick), 2:25. Texans 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:14.

Second quarter

• JAX – Chris Manhertz 22-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Josh Lambo kick), 12:25. Texans 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:05.
• HOU – Joey Slye 40-yard field goal, 8:11. Texans 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:13.
• HOU – Joey Slye 26-yard field goal, 1:02. Texans 20–7. Drive: 5 plays, 0 yards, 1:18.
• HOU – Danny Amendola 8-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Joey Slye kick), 0:08. Texans 27–7. Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 0:29.

Third quarter

• HOU – Phillip Lindsay 5-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 3:24. Texans 34–7. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 4:44.
• JAX – D. J. Chark 41-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Josh Lambo kick), 1:48. Texans 34–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:36.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Joey Slye 25-yard field goal, 11:59. Texans 37–14. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:53.
• JAX – Marvin Jones 4-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Josh Lambo kick), 0:05. Texans 37–21. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 2:45.

|stats=

Top passers

• JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 28/51, 332 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
• HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 21/33, 291 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

• JAX – Carlos Hyde – 9 rushes, 44 yards
• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 26 rushes, 85 yards, TD

Top receivers

• JAX – D. J. Chark – 3 receptions, 86 yards, TD
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 132 yards

}}

The Texans kicked off the 2021 season and the David Culley era at home against AFC South rival the Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The Texans' defense picked off Lawrence three times while the offense committed no turnovers. With the win, the Texans started 1–0 for the first time since 2016; additionally, the Texans were the only AFC South team to win during week 1.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 2: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

|date=September 19

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Texans

|R1=7|R2=7|R3=0|R4=7

|home=Browns

|H1=7|H2=7|H3=10|H4=7

|stadium=FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

|attendance=67,431

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|75|F|C}}

|referee=Brad Rogers

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-browns-2021-reg-2 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58522/CLE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• CLE – Andy Janovich 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 9:56. Browns 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 2:02.
• HOU – Phillip Lindsay 20-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Joey Slye kick), 5:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:38.

Second quarter

• HOU – Tyrod Taylor 15-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 7:06. Texans 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:38.
• CLE – Baker Mayfield 5-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:14. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:52.

Third quarter

• CLE – Demetric Felton 33-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 7:50. Browns 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 5:52.
• CLE – Chase McLaughlin 30-yard field goal, 4:40. Browns 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:37.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Brandin Cooks 2-yard pass from Davis Mills (Joey Slye kick), 11:32. Browns 24–21. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 8:08.
• CLE – Nick Chubb 26-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 5:52. Browns 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:40.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 10/11, 126 yards, TD
• CLE – Baker Mayfield – 19/21, 213 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 14 rushes, 41 yards
• CLE – Nick Chubb – 11 rushes, 95 yards, TD

Top receivers

• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 9 receptions, 78 yards, TD
• CLE – Demetric Felton – 2 receptions, 51 yards, TD

}}

Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a hamstring injury during the first half, with rookie Davis Mills replacing him for the second half.{{cite web|publisher=CBSSports|last=Walker|first=Patrik|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-key-injuries-suffered-in-week-2-games-tua-tagovailoa-tyrod-taylor-among-those-on-long-brutal-list/|title=NFL key injuries suffered in Week 2 games: Tua Tagovailoa, Tyrod Taylor among those on long, brutal list|date=September 19, 2021|access-date=September 19, 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 3: Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|September 23, 2021}}

|time=7:20 p.m. CDT

|road=Panthers

|R1=7|R2=0|R3=7|R4=10

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=6|H3=0|H4=3

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=68,320

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Alex Kemp

|TV=NFLN

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/panthers-at-texans-2021-reg-3 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58535/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• CAR – Sam Darnold 5-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 6:36. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 6:00.

Second quarter

• HOU – Anthony Miller 1-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 0:25. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:12.

Third quarter

• CAR – Tommy Tremble 7-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 6:20. Panthers 14–6. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 4:17.

Fourth quarter

• CAR – Zane Gonzalez 21-yard field goal, 12:44. Panthers 17–6. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 6:31.
• HOU – Joey Slye 53-yard field goal, 9:09. Panthers 17–9. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:35.
• CAR – Sam Darnold 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 4:07. Panthers 24–9. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:02.

|stats=

Top passers

• CAR – Sam Darnold – 23/34, 304 yards
• HOU – Davis Mills – 19/28, 168 yards, TD

Top rushers

• CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 11 rushes, 52 yards
• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 6 rushes, 21 yards

Top receivers

• CAR – D. J. Moore – 8 receptions, 126 yards
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 9 receptions, 112 yards

}}

Rookie quarterback Davis Mills started his first NFL game as Tyrod Taylor was still recovering from a hamstring injury. After a slow start, Mills would lead the offense on a quick scoring drive to end the half with a 1-yard pass to Anthony Miller, but kicker Joey Slye missed the extra point. The offense would continue to be inconsistent throughout the 2nd half, with Mills constantly being pressured by Carolina's defense.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 4: Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

|date=October 3

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Texans

|R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Bills

|H1=7|H2=9|H3=3|H4=21

|stadium=Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

|attendance=68,087

|weather=Light rain, fog and mist, {{convert|67|F|C}}

|referee=Ronald Torbert

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Beth Mowins and Tiki Barber

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-bills-2021-reg-4 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58553/BUF_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• BUF – Dawson Knox 25-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 1:59. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:02.

Second quarter

• BUF – Tyler Bass 33-yard field goal, 13:05. Bills 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:55.
• BUF – Tyler Bass 26-yard field goal, 7:12. Bills 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:31.
• BUF – Tyler Bass 21-yard field goal, 0:23. Bills 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 1:17.

Third quarter

• BUF – Tyler Bass 28-yard field goal, 8:45. Bills 19–0. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 6:15.

Fourth quarter

• BUF – Dawson Knox 1-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:29. Bills 26–0. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:49.
• BUF – Zack Moss 4-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 10:44. Bills 33–0. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 2:15.
• BUF – Mitchell Trubisky 4-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 3:36. Bills 40–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:27.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 11/21, 87 yards, 4 INT
• BUF – Josh Allen – 20/29, 248 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 6 rushes, 24 yards
• BUF – Devin Singletary – 14 rushes, 79 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 5 receptions, 47 yards
• BUF – Stefon Diggs – 7 receptions, 114 yards

}}

The Texans committed five turnovers, with quarterback Davis Mills throwing four interceptions and tight end Jordan Akins losing a fumble and only had 109 yards of total offense. The Texans were shutout for the first time since 2016. The 40 point loss is also the largest in franchise history.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN| last=Barshop|first=Sarah|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/25951/houston-texans-franchise-worst-loss-to-buffalo-bills-embarrassing|title=Blowout loss to Bills 'embarrassing' for Texans|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=October 4, 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=October 10

|time=12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=9|R3=6|R4=10

|home=Texans

|H1=6|H2=9|H3=7|H4=0

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=68,450

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Scott Novak

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-texans-2021-reg-5 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58571/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Antony Auclair 11-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 4:45. Texans 6–0. Drive: 18 plays, 79 yards, 10:06.

Second quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:17. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:37.
• HOU – Chris Moore 67-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 12:56. Texans 12–6. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:21.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 1:37. Texans 15–6. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:11.
• NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 0:02. Texans 15–9. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 1:35.

Third quarter

• HOU – Chris Conley 37-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 13:31. Texans 22–9. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:42.
• NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 8:25. Texans 22–12. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:57.
• NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:50. Texans 22–15. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Hunter Henry 13-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:31. Tied 22–22. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:54.
• NE – Nick Folk 21-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 25–22. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:00.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 23/30, 231 yards, TD, INT
• HOU – Davis Mills – 21/29, 312 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 58 yards, TD
• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 16 rushes, 41 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD
• HOU – Chris Moore – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD

}}

The Texans had a 22–9 lead early in the 3rd quarter, but the Patriots would score 16 unanswered points, including Nick Folk's game-winning field goal with 17 seconds left in the 4th. Houston kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn missed two extra point attempts and a 56-yard field goal.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 6: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

|date=October 17

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Texans

|R1=0|R2=3|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Colts

|H1=7|H2=3|H3=14|H4=7

|stadium=Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

|attendance=57,947

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|58|F|C}} (retractable roof open)

|referee=Jerome Boger

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Spero Dedes and Jay Feely

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-colts-2021-reg-6 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58589/IND_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• IND – Parris Campbell 51-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Michael Badgley kick), 1:52. Colts 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 3:18.

Second quarter

• IND – Michael Badgley 41-yard field goal, 12:59. Colts 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 1:56.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 6:16. Colts 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:43.

Third quarter

• IND – Mo Alie-Cox 28-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Michael Badgley kick), 11:50. Colts 17–3. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:46.
• IND – Jonathan Taylor 4-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 6:37. Colts 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards, 2:16.

Fourth quarter

• IND – Jonathan Taylor 11-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 4:47. Colts 31–3. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:21.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 29/43, 243 yards, 2 INT
• IND – Carson Wentz – 11/20, 223 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 18 rushes, 73 yards
• IND – Jonathan Taylor – 14 rushes, 145 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 9 receptions, 89 yards
• IND – T. Y. Hilton – 4 receptions, 80 yards

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 7: Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

|date=October 24

|time=3:25 p.m. CDT/1:25 p.m. MST

|road=Texans

|R1=2|R2=3|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Cardinals

|H1=0|H2=17|H3=7|H4=7

|stadium=State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

|attendance=60,297

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Land Clark

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-cardinals-2021-reg-7 Preview], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58606/ARI_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Kyler Murray sacked in the end zone by Jacob Martin for a safety, 2:58. Texans 2–0.

Second quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 53-yard field goal, 14:55. Texans 5–0. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 3:03.
• ARI – DeAndre Hopkins 1-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 9:01. Cardinals 7–5. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:54.
• ARI – Christian Kirk 5-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 2:45. Cardinals 14–5. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 2:58.
• ARI – Matt Prater 31-yard field goal, 0:05. Cardinals 17–5. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 1:32.

Third quarter

• ARI – Zach Ertz 47-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 7:58. Cardinals 24–5. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:33.

Fourth quarter

• ARI – James Conner 18-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 10:22. Cardinals 31–5. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:53.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 23/32, 135 yards
• ARI – Kyler Murray – 20/28, 261 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

• HOU – David Johnson – 7 rushes, 25 yards
• ARI – Chase Edmonds – 15 rushes, 81 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Nico Collins – 2 receptions, 28 yards
• ARI – Zach Ertz – 3 receptions, 66 yards, TD

}}

With the loss, the Texans' dropped to 1–6, losing their sixth game in a row. Following the game, head coach David Culley announced that quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a hamstring injury in week 2, would be returning to practice during the week.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|last=Barshop|first=Sarah|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32469099/tyrod-taylor-return-houston-texans-week-qb-getting-closer-playing|title=Tyrod Taylor to return to Houston Texans practice this week as QB 'getting closer' to playing|date=October 24, 2021|access-date=October 25, 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 8: Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=October 31

|time=12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Rams

|R1=7|R2=17|R3=14|R4=0

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=22

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=66,013

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Clay Martin

|TV=Fox

|TVAnnouncers=Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/rams-at-texans-2021-reg-8 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58616/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• LAR – Darrell Henderson 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Gay kick), 9:32. Rams 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:28.

Second quarter

• LAR – Matt Gay 27-yard field goal, 8:51. Rams 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 4:32.
• LAR – Robert Woods 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Gay kick), 6:09. Rams 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 1:55.
• LAR – Darrell Henderson 1-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 0:30. Rams 24–0. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:19.

Third quarter

• LAR – Cooper Kupp 11-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Matt Gay kick), 7:55. Rams 31–0. Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards, 1:31.
• LAR – Robert Woods 16-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 0:02. Rams 38–0. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:52.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 8:08. Rams 38–7. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 3:55.
• HOU – Brandin Cooks 45-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 5:00. Rams 38–14. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:23.
• HOU – Brevin Jordan 9-yard pass from Davis Mills (Davis Mills run), 2:35. Rams 38–22. Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 2:25.

|stats=

Top passers

• LAR – Matthew Stafford – 21/32, 305 yards, 3 TD
• HOU – Davis Mills – 29/38, 310 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• LAR – Darrell Henderson – 14 rushes, 90 yards, TD
• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 4 rushes, 21 yards, TD

Top receivers

• LAR – Cooper Kupp – 7 receptions, 115 yards, TD
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 6 receptions, 83 yards, TD

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 9: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

|date=November 7

|time=1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Texans

|R1=0|R2=6|R3=0|R4=3

|home=Dolphins

|H1=7|H2=10|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

|attendance=60,232

|weather={{convert|72|F|C}}

|referee=Adrian Hill

|TV=Fox

|TVAnnouncers=Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-dolphins-2021-reg-9 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58631/MIA_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• MIA – Myles Gaskin 6-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:37. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:03.

Second quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 9:48. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:21.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 40-yard field goal, 4:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:58.
• MIA – Jason Sanders 42-yard field goal, 1:08. Dolphins 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:24.
• MIA – Mack Hollins 5-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 0:29. Dolphins 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 0:24.

Third quarter

• No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 20-yard field goal, 11:32. Dolphins 17–9. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 5:40.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 23/42, 231 yards, 3 INT
• MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 26/43, 244 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Phillip Lindsay – 8 rushes, 28 yards
• MIA – Myles Gaskin – 20 rushes, 34 yards, TD

Top receivers

• HOU – Danny Amendola – 3 receptions, 49 yards
• MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 8 receptions, 83 yards

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 11: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – Game summary

|date=November 21

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Texans

|R1=3|R2=9|R3=7|R4=3

|home=Titans

|H1=0|H2=0|H3=6|H4=7

|stadium=Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

|attendance=67,395

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|56|F|C}}

|referee=Tony Corrente

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-titans-2021-reg-11 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58662/TEN_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 43-yard field goal, 4:04. Texans 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 62 yards, 6:58.

Second quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 24-yard field goal, 13:35. Texans 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:25.
• HOU – Tyrod Taylor 7-yard run (kick failed), 7:43. Texans 12–0. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:39.

Third quarter

• HOU – Tyrod Taylor 5-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 7:00. Texans 19–0. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 0:36.
• TEN – Dez Fitzpatrick 18-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (kick failed), 2:24. Texans 19–6. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 4:36.

Fourth quarter

• TEN – Anthony Firkser fumble recovery in end zone (Randy Bullock kick), 7:47. Texans 19–13. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:15.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 37-yard field goal, 3:26. Texans 22–13. Drive: 4 plays, -4 yards, 0:16.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 14/24, 107 yards
• TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 35/52, 323 yards, TD, 4 INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 18 rushes, 40 yards
• TEN – Adrian Peterson – 9 rushes, 40 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Chris Conley – 4 receptions, 37 yards
• TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 7 receptions, 107 yards

}}

Houston only had 190 yards of total offense compared to Tennessee's 420, but the Titans turned the ball over five times during the game and turned it over on downs twice. Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw four interceptions, three of which happened in Houston territory. During a punt return, Chester Rogers muffed a punt that was recovered by Tremon Smith for Houston at the Tennessee 5-yard line.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 12: New York Jets at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=November 28

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Jets

|R1=3|R2=8|R3=7|R4=3

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=14|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=65,120

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Clete Blakeman

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Amanda Balionis

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/jets-at-texans-2021-reg-12 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58672/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NYJ – Matt Ammendola 31-yard field goal, 5:34. Jets 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:28.

Second quarter

• HOU – Brevin Jordan 13-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 14:18. Texans 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 2:47.
• HOU – Brandin Cooks 40-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 10:29. Texans 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:47.
• NYJ – Austin Walter 2-yard run (Josh Johnson run), 1:13. Texans 14–11. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:19.

Third quarter

• NYJ – Zach Wilson 4-yard run (Matt Ammendola kick), 7:51. Jets 18–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 7:09.

Fourth quarter

• NYJ – Matt Ammendola 37-yard field goal, 3:34. Jets 21–14. Drive: 13 plays, 36 yards, 6:20.

|stats=

Top passers

• NYJ – Zach Wilson – 14/24, 145 yards, INT
• HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 17/26, 158 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• NYJ – Tevin Coleman – 16 rushes, 67 yards
• HOU – David Johnson – 10 rushes, 39 yards

Top receivers

• NYJ – Braxton Berrios – 2 receptions, 47 yards
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 3 receptions, 45 yards, TD

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021}}; border:2px solid #03202F;text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=December 5

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Colts

|R1=7|R2=7|R3=7|R4=10

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=65,291

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Ronald Torbert

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/colts-at-texans-2021-reg-13 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58688/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• IND – Jonathan Taylor 1-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 11:26. Colts 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 3:29.

Second quarter

• IND – Ashton Dulin 2-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Michael Badgley kick), 0:43. Colts 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 6:16.

Third quarter

• IND – Jonathan Taylor 3-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 9:47. Colts 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:13.

Fourth quarter

• IND – Michael Badgley 23-yard field goal, 9:08. Colts 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 5:08.
• IND – Deon Jackson 3-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 1:56. Colts 31–0. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:33.

|stats=

Top passers

• IND – Carson Wentz – 16/22, 158 yards, TD
• HOU – Davis Mills – 6/14, 49 yards

Top rushers

• IND – Jonathan Taylor – 32 rushes, 143 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 8 rushes, 30 yards

Top receivers

• IND – Michael Pittman Jr. – 6 receptions, 77 yards
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 3 receptions, 38 yards

}}

Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was benched in the third quarter in favor of rookie Davis Mills. Taylor finished 5-of-13 for 45 yards with an interception. With the loss, the Texans were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. This loss also marked the first time in franchise history the Texans were shut out at home during the regular season, and their second home shutout loss after their 30–0 Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2015 season.{{cite news |website=Houston Chronicle |last=Rajan |first=Greg |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Colts-Texans-first-regular-season-shutout-home-16676539.php#:~:text=In%20a%20season%20filled%20with%20lows%2C%20the%20Texans,first-regular-season%20home%20shutout%20in%20the%20franchise%E2%80%99s%2020-year%20history |title=Colts hand woeful Texans first regular-season shutout at home |url-access=subscription |date=December 5, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=December 12

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Seahawks

|R1=10|R2=6|R3=3|R4=14

|home=Texans

|H1=7|H2=6|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=67,610

|weather=Clear, {{convert|55|F|C}} (retractable roof open)

|referee=Adrian Hill

|TV=Fox

|TVAnnouncers=Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/seahawks-at-texans-2021-reg-14 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58701/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Brevin Jordan – 5-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 11:02. Texans 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:58.
• SEA – Jason Myers 38-yard field goal, 6:20. Texans 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:42.
• SEA – Rashaad Penny 32-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 0:00. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 97 yards, 3:03.

Second quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 21-yard field goal, 6:05. Tied 10–10. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 8:55.
• SEA – Tyler Lockett 55-yard pass from Russell Wilson (kick failed), 0:52. Seahawks 16–10. Drive: 1 play, 55 yards, 0:08.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 61-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 16–13. Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 0:52.

Third quarter

• SEA – Jason Myers 38-yard field goal, 4:32. Seahawks 19–13. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:59.

Fourth quarter

• SEA – Gerald Everett 1-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Russell Wilson–Tyler Lockett pass), 7:28. Seahawks 27–13. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:10.
• SEA – Rashaad Penny 47-yard run (kick failed), 5:26. Seahawks 33–13. Drive: 2 plays, 50 yards, 0:50.

|stats=

Top passers

• SEA – Russell Wilson – 17/28, 260 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – Davis Mills – 33/49, 331 yards, TD

Top rushers

• SEA – Rashaad Penny – 16 rushes, 137 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 11 rushes, 40 yards

Top receivers

• SEA – Tyler Lockett – 5 receptions, 142 yards, TD
• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 8 receptions, 101 yards

}}

At the end of the first half, kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn made a 61-yard field goal, setting a franchise record for longest field goal made.{{cite magazine |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Hamm |first=Timm |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/houston-seahawks-davis-mills-texans-trail-seahawks-half-kaimi-fairbairn-kicks-record |title=Texans Trail Seahawks At Half; Ka'imi Fairbairn Kicks Record-Setter |date=December 12, 2021 |access-date=December 13, 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 15: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary

|date=December 19

|time=1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Texans

|R1=14|R2=6|R3=3|R4=7

|home=Jaguars

|H1=3|H2=7|H3=3|H4=3

|stadium=TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

|attendance=60,252

|weather={{convert|76|F|C}}

|referee=Alex Kemp

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-jaguars-2021-reg-15 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58719/JAX_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Brandin Cooks 22-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 6:39. Texans 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:21.
• JAX – Matthew Wright 22-yard field goal, 1:42. Texans 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 4:57.
• HOU – Tremon Smith 98-yard kickoff return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 1:26. Texans 14–3.

Second quarter

• JAX – James Robinson 1-yard run (Matthew Wright kick), 12:09. Texans 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:17.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 52-yard field goal, 3:06. Texans 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 4:43.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 25-yard field goal, 10:39. Texans 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:13.
• JAX – Matthew Wright 38-yard field goal, 4:47. Texans 23–13. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 5:52.

Fourth quarter

• JAX – Matthew Wright 35-yard field goal, 11:18. Texans 23–16. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 2:04.
• HOU – Brandin Cooks 43-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 2:22. Texans 30–16. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:47.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 19/30, 209 yards, 2 TD, INT
• JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 22/38, 210 yards

Top rushers

• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 16 rushes, 91 yards
• JAX – James Robinson – 18 rushes, 75 yards, TD

Top receivers

• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 7 receptions, 102 yards, 2 TD
• JAX – James O'Shaughnessy – 4 receptions, 60 yards

}}

With the win, the Texans swept the Jacksonville Jaguars for the fourth season in a row. This was also the first victory for rookie quarterback Davis Mills.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 16: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=December 26

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Chargers

|R1=6|R2=6|R3=3|R4=14

|home=Texans

|H1=7|H2=10|H3=0|H4=24

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=65,674

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Clay Martin

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-texans-team-2021-reg-16 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58733/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• LAC – Dustin Hopkins 50-yard field goal, 10:55. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 4:05.
• HOU – Rex Burkhead 25-yard run (Dominik Eberle kick), 6:25. Texans 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.
• LAC – Dustin Hopkins 46-yard field goal, 1:57. Texans 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:28.

Second quarter

• LAC – Justin Jackson 17-yard run (run failed), 11:15. Chargers 12–7. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:38.
• HOU – Dominik Eberle 51-yard field goal, 5:11. Chargers 12–10. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 6:04.
• HOU – Chris Conley 41-yard pass from Davis Mills (Dominik Eberle kick), 0:27. Texans 17–12. Drive: 7 plays, 94 yards, 3:30.

Third quarter

• LAC – Dustin Hopkins 35-yard field goal, 5:42. Texans 17–15. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 5:25.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Dominik Eberle kick), 13:37. Texans 24–15. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:05.
• HOU – Dominik Eberle 25-yard field goal, 8:54. Texans 27–15. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:54.
• LAC – Justin Jackson 9-yard run (Justin Herbert–Jared Cook pass), 5:50. Texans 27–23. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:04.
• HOU – Nico Collins 13-yard pass from Davis Mills (Dominik Eberle kick), 2:32. Texans 34–23. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:18.
• HOU – Tavierre Thomas 48-yard interception return (Dominik Eberle kick), 1:49. Texans 41–23.
• LAC – Joshua Palmer 3-yard pass from Justin Herbert (pass failed), 0:34. Texans 41–29. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:15.

|stats=

Top passers

• LAC – Justin Herbert – 27/35, 336 yards, TD, 2 INT
• HOU – Davis Mills – 21/27, 254 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

• LAC – Justin Jackson – 11 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TD
• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 22 rushes, 149 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• LAC – Justin Jackson – 8 receptions, 98 yards
• HOU – Chris Conley – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD

}}

The Houston Texans hosted the Los Angeles Chargers for the penultimate home game of the season, with both teams missing several players due to the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. The game was close for the first three quarters, but a 24-point fourth quarter by the Texans put the game out of reach for the Chargers, including scoring 14 unanswered points in under a minute. Running back Rex Burkhead finished the game with a career high 149 rushing yards, the most by a Texans' running back since Carlos Hyde in week 9 of the 2019 season.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|last=Barshop|first=Sarah|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/26140/rex-burkhead-houston-texans-running-game-breaks-through-to-aid-rookie-qb-davis-mills|title=Rex Burkhead, Houston Texans' running game break through to aid rookie QB Davis Mills|date=December 27, 2021|access-date=December 27, 2021}} With the win, the Texans improved to 4–11, matching their win total from the previous season.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 17: Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

|date=January 2

|time=3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST

|road=Texans

|R1=0|R2=7|R3=0|R4=0

|home=49ers

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=7|H4=13

|stadium=Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

|attendance=71,612

|weather=Clear, {{convert|64|F|C}}

|referee=Carl Cheffers

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/texans-at-49ers-2021-reg-17 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58754/SF_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• No scoring plays.

Second quarter

• HOU – Brandin Cooks 8-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick) 1:57. Texans 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:15.
• SF – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:38.

Third quarter

• SF – Elijah Mitchell 8-yard pass from Trey Lance (Robbie Gould kick), 5:53. 49ers 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 2:21.

Fourth quarter

• SF – Deebo Samuel 45-yard pass from Trey Lance (Robbie Gould kick), 9:56. 49ers 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:08.
• SF – Robbie Gould 27-yard field goal, 3:19. 49ers 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 3:27.
• SF – Robbie Gould 36-yard field goal, 1:12. 49ers 23–7. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:29.

|stats=

Top passers

• HOU – Davis Mills – 21/32, 163 yards, TD, INT
• SF – Trey Lance – 16/23, 249 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• HOU – Rex Burkhead – 16 rushes, 47 yards
• SF – Elijah Mitchell – 21 rushes, 119 yards

Top receivers

• HOU – Brandin Cooks – 7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
• SF – Brandon Aiyuk – 4 receptions, 94 yards

}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 18: Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=January 9

|time=12:00 p.m. CST

|road=Titans

|R1=0|R2=21|R3=0|R4=7

|home=Texans

|H1=0|H2=0|H3=10|H4=15

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=66,722

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Land Clark

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burruss

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/titans-at-texans-2021-reg-18 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58764/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• No scoring plays

Second quarter

• TEN – Anthony Firkser 5-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 7:40. Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 6:31.
• TEN – A. J. Brown 14-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 1:34. Titans 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 2:46.
• TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 4-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 0:11. Titans 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 0:33.

Third quarter

• HOU – Chris Moore 28-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 9:46. Titans 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:42.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 2:14. Titans 21–10. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:04.

Fourth quarter

• HOU – Danny Amendola 7-yard pass from Davis Mills (Davis Mills–Danny Amendola pass), 11:40. Titans 21–18. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:01.
• TEN – Julio Jones 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 7:00. Titans 28–18. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:40.
• HOU – Danny Amendola 26-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 4:04. Titans 28–25. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:56.

|stats=

Top passers

• TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 23/32, 287 yards, 4 TD
• HOU – Davis Mills – 23/33, 301 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• TEN – D'Onta Foreman – 21 rushes, 69 yards
• HOU – David Johnson – 5 rushes, 28 yards

Top receivers

• TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 4 receptions, 78 yards, TD
• HOU – Danny Amendola – 7 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TD

}}

{{2021 AFC South standings|team=HOU}}

{{2021 AFC standings|team=HOU}}

Source:{{cite web |publisher=Houston Texans |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/stats/2021/REG |title=2021 Texans Statistics |access-date=March 20, 2022}}

{{reflist|group=nb}}

• 2007 Atlanta Falcons season, whose quarterback, Michael Vick, was suspended due to personal conduct reasons but not released.

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|https://www.houstontexans.com/}}

{{Houston Texans}}

{{Houston Texans seasons}}

{{2021 NFL season by team}}

Houston

Category:Houston Texans seasons

Houston Texans