Texans Grind Out Ugly 23-21 Win Over Raiders, Extend Streak to Seven
HOUSTON — In a game that was far from pretty, the Houston Texans (10-5) leaned on their defense and a clutch penalty call to escape with a 23-21 victory over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) on Sunday at NRG Stadium, pushing their winning streak to seven games—the longest since 2018.
C.J. Stroud threw for 187 yards and a touchdown, while Ka’imi Fairbairn’s reliable leg provided three field goals, but it was cornerback Derek Stingley’s 31-yard pick-six and a late pass interference flag that sealed the deal for DeMeco Ryans’ squad. The win keeps Houston one game back of Jacksonville in the AFC South with two to play.
The Raiders, mired in a nine-game skid, showed sparks behind rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty and a gritty effort from Geno Smith in his return from injury. But Las Vegas couldn’t overcome early deficits or capitalize late, dropping to 2-13 in a lost season.
Stingley struck first, jumping a route and returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown—his first NFL score since high school—to spot Houston a 7-0 lead. Fairbairn added long field goals of 55 and 50 yards in the second quarter for a 13-7 halftime edge after Brock Bowers’ 7-yard TD catch tied it briefly.
The third quarter saw Jeanty explode: a 60-yard touchdown reception put Las Vegas ahead 14-13, but Fairbairn answered with a 49-yarder. Stroud’s 1-yard flip to Dalton Schultz regained the lead at 23-14 early in the fourth.
Jeanty wasn’t done, ripping off a 51-yard touchdown run to pull within two with 5:30 left. Facing third-and-20 deep in their territory, the Texans got new life on a pass interference call against Darien Porter on Nico Collins. Collins then hauled in a 24-yard grab past the two-minute warning, allowing Houston to kneel out the clock.
Jeanty was the story for the Raiders, rushing for 128 yards and a score while adding the 60-yard TD catch for 188 scrimmage yards—second-most by a Raiders rookie ever. Smith threw for 201 yards and two TDs but took the costly pick.
“It doesn’t matter how it looks, it’s beautiful to get the win,” Ryans said. “Proud of our team for continuing to find ways to win.”
The Texans’ defense, despite allowing more yards than usual, forced the game’s only turnover and held firm when it mattered. For the Raiders, Jeanty’s brilliance offered a bright spot in a dim campaign.
Houston turns to a pivotal stretch, while Las Vegas heads into an offseason of rebuilding.