Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have only been around since 2002, but they've already become the most popular sports team in America's fourth-largest city. Originally awarded to Houston in part to make up for the loss of the Oilers, the Texans quickly carved out their own identity. Games at Reliant Stadium frequently sellout and the Sundays and Monday nights of a Texan game day are happenings.

Going into the 2010 season, the Texans have never made the playoffs, but optimism is high despite the fact the team has the hardest-rated schedule in the NFL. Quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson lead a high-flying offensive attack that puts up the plenty of points. With Schaub leading the NFL in passing yards, the Texans went 9-7 in 2009, missing the playoffs by a tiebreaker on the season's final day. Defensive end Mario Williams — a controversial No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft over Reggie Bush — is the key to the defense.

The Texans are currently coached by a Houstonian (Gary Kubiak) and owned by Bob McNair, one of the more colorful and outspoken owners in the NFL.

The Texans stunned the Dallas Cowboys 19-10 in the franchise's first ever game and host the Cowboys again in the third game of the 2010 season.