They lost their first four games against teams, including Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Indianapolis, that finished with a combined record of 42-22.

The Texans bounced back to pull out a 29-28 victory over Miami that started a three-game winning streak, including victories over Cincinnati and Detroit, who were a combined 4-27-1.

After the Texans lost three in a row to teams - Minnesota, Baltimore and Indianapolis - that would make the playoffs, the schedule got easier, and they took advantage of it by finishing 5-1.

It was a season of highs and lows, agony and ecstasy, and bests and worsts.

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OFFENSIVE MVP

Andre Johnson. He set team records and led the NFL with 115 catches and 1,575 yards. He was voted as a starter in the Pro Bowl.

DEFENSIVE MVP

Mario Williams. He led the team with 12 sacks, 25 quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles. He led the linemen and finished fourth on the team with 53 tackles. He was voted as a starter in the Pro Bowl.

BEST GAME

Texans 13, Titans 12. They broke a seven-game losing streak in this AFC South series and defeated Tennessee for only the third time. The victory gave the Texans some legitimacy around the country.

WORST GAME

Raiders 27, Texans 16. They weren't ready to play at the Oakland Coliseum and blew a chance to have their first winning record.

BEST PLAY

Matt Schaub's 3-yard touchdown on a quarterback draw that beat the Miami Dolphins with 3 seconds left and gave the Texans their first victory after an 0-4 start.

WORST PLAY

The Rosencopter. Leading the Colts 27-17 with 3:54 remaining, the Texans faced third-and-8 at the Indianapolis 39. Sage Rosenfels, left, was supposed to get what yards he could and slide, but he tried to hurdle a defensive player to get a first down. His fumble was returned by Gary Brackett 68 yards for a TD that helped the Colts rally for a 31-27 victory.

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INSIDE: Best and worst of the rest, from Best Surprise (Steve Slaton) to Worst Offensive Stat (32 turnovers). PAGE C6