The Houston Texans might make the AFC playoffs as the division champions, but that doesn’t make them a contender for a Lombardi Trophy.
C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions while Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal to give the Tennessee Titans a 32-27 victory at NRG Stadium. Houston (7-5) now suffers its first loss in the division for 2024.
Will Levis gave the Texans a chance to take the game back during the fourth quarter when Jimmie Ward intercepted a third-down pass attempt for a 67-yard touchdown return. He redeemed himself with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo for a three-point lead.
Levis, a former second-round pick, threw for 278 yards and two touchdown passes while Tony Pollard rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. Despite a fumble caused by Mario Edwards in the first half, the Texans could never convert.
Final from #TENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/8A7I6KKb4X
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 24, 2024
Stroud, who finished with 247 yards passing yards, started off hot, connecting with Cade Stover for a 14-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. He later found Nico Collins for a 5-yard score to bring the Texans within three.
Fairbairn drilled two field goals earlier in the afternoon before the doink inside Houston territory. Initially, the Texans thought they had a touchdown on a 28-yard grab from Collins, but an illegal motion negated the points.
Houston’s defense forced a three-and-out and even saved a timeout with just over a minute on the clock. Stroud channeled his inner Dan Orlovsky and was sacked by Harold Landry in the end zone for a safety, ending Tennessee’s two-game losing streak.
Final from #TENvsHOU pic.twitter.com/8A7I6KKb4X
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 24, 2024
The Texans have lost four of their last five, including back-to-back games at home.
They hit the road next Sunday to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week in early December.
