What Is 1987 Houston Oilers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Houston Oilers finished the NFL season with a 9-6 record, placing second in the AFC Central. They were led by head coach Jerry Glanville and featured star running back Mike Rozier.

Key Facts

The 1987 Houston Oilers had a regular-season record of 9 wins and 6 losses.
Head coach Jerry Glanville led the team with an aggressive 'Luv Ya Blue' style defense.
The season was shortened due to a players' strike, reducing games from 16 to 15.
Running back Mike Rozier rushed for 1,002 yards despite joining mid-season.
The Oilers missed the playoffs despite a winning record, finishing behind the Browns.

Overview

The 1987 Houston Oilers represented the National Football League's Houston franchise during the strike-shortened 1987 season. Under the leadership of head coach Jerry Glanville, the team played an aggressive, defense-first style that reflected their 'Luv Ya Blue' era roots. Despite a strong performance, they narrowly missed the playoffs.

The season was marked by unique challenges, including the NFL players' strike that led to the use of replacement players for three weeks. The Oilers managed a winning record at 9-6 but finished second in the AFC Central behind the Cleveland Browns, who edged them out for the final playoff spot.

Record: The team finished the regular season with a 9-6 record, their best performance since 1980, showing marked improvement under Glanville’s leadership.
Division Standing: They placed second in the AFC Central, just behind the Cleveland Browns, who secured the final AFC playoff berth with a 10-5 record.
Strike Impact: The NFL players' strike in Week 4 led to three games being played with replacement players, during which the Oilers went 2-1.
Key Player: Running back Mike Rozier joined the team mid-season and rushed for 1,002 yards, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher for the Oilers since 1981.
Defensive Identity: The defense, known for its physical style, recorded 48 sacks and forced 27 turnovers, led by linebackers Bruce Matthews and William Fuller.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign was defined by resilience, adaptation, and near-miss playoff contention. With a shortened schedule due to the strike, every game carried greater weight, and the Oilers responded with competitive performances across the board.

Week 1 Start: The Oilers opened the season with a 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, setting a positive tone before the strike interrupted play.
Replacement Games: During the strike, Houston’s replacement team defeated the Chiefs and Jets but lost to the Seahawks, finishing 2-1 in replacement contests.
Mike Rozier’s Impact: Acquired after sitting out the 1986 season, Rozier rushed for 1,002 yards on 238 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Warren Moon’s Role: Quarterback Warren Moon threw for 2,514 yards and 15 touchdowns, though his 18 interceptions reflected the team’s offensive inconsistency.
Defensive Leaders: William Fuller recorded 12.5 sacks, while safety Bubba McDowell led the team with 5 interceptions.
Home Field: The Oilers played at the Houston Astrodome, where they posted a 6-2 record, demonstrating strong home performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 Oilers compare to their division rivals in key statistical categories:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Division Finish
Houston Oilers	9-6	303	288	2nd
Cleveland Browns	10-5	303	271	1st (WC)
Pittsburgh Steelers	10-6	324	307	3rd
Cincinnati Bengals	4-11	240	326	4th
Baltimore Ravens	5-10	264	333	5th

The Oilers matched the Browns in total points scored but allowed more points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Their second-place finish was respectable, but the narrow margin in wins kept them out of postseason contention, a source of frustration for fans and management alike.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season remains a notable chapter in Oilers history, illustrating both progress and the fine line between success and playoff exclusion. It showcased the team’s potential and laid groundwork for future development.

Transition Phase: The season marked a shift toward a stronger running game, with Mike Rozier’s signing signaling a new offensive direction.
Strike Legacy: The use of replacement players during the strike remains a unique footnote in NFL history, affecting standings and player dynamics.
Warren Moon’s Development: Moon continued to adapt to the NFL, setting the stage for his prolific 1988 and 1989 seasons.
Defensive Identity: The aggressive style under Glanville became a hallmark, influencing team culture through the late 1980s.
Missed Opportunity: Finishing just one game behind the Browns, the Oilers were denied a playoff berth despite a winning record.
Historical Context: This season preceded the Oilers’ more successful runs in the early 1990s, serving as a rebuilding milestone.

The 1987 Houston Oilers may not have made the playoffs, but their performance demonstrated resilience and promise, setting the stage for future competitiveness in a challenging division.