1979 Houston Oilers season

The 1979 season was the Houston Oilers 20th season and their 10th in the NFL. The franchise scored 362 points while the defense gave up 331 points. Their record of 11 wins and 5 losses resulted in a second place finish in the AFC Central Division. The Oilers appeared once on Monday Night Football and returned to the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive year. Earl Campbell would lead the NFL in rushing for the second consecutive year and set a franchise record for most touchdowns in a season with 19.

AFC Wild Card
The Oilers managed to shut down the Broncos offense for most of the game en route to a 13–7 win.

AFC Divisional Playoff
The Oilers offense, playing without starting quarterback Dan Pastorini, receiver Ken Burrough, and running back Earl Campbell, could only generate 259 yard compared to San Diego's 385. But they still won the game, largely due to the effort of rookie safety Vernon Perry, who set a playoff record with 4 interceptions as the Oilers defeated the Chargers, 17–14. In his first career playoff game, Chargers future Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts threw for 333 yards, but was intercepted 5 times.

AFC Championship Game
The Steelers held the Oilers to only 24 rushing yards, but was also aided by a controversial non-touchdown call to come away with a 27–13 win.

Awards and records

 * Earl Campbell, NFL Rushing Leader, (1,697)
 * Earl Campbell, 1979 NFL MVP
 * Earl Campbell, PFWA NFL MVP (1979)
 * Earl Campbell, Pro Bowl selection 1979
 * Earl Campbell, All-Pro selection 1979
 * Earl Campbell, NEA NFL MVP (1979)
 * Earl Campbell, NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1979)
 * Earl Campbell, 1979 Bert Bell Award
 * Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers record, Most Touchdowns in a Season (19)
 * Mike Reinfeldt, NFL Interception Leader, 12

Milestones

 * Earl Campbell, 2nd 1,000 yard rushing season
 * Earl Campbell, 2nd NFL Rushing Title