The Houston Texans narrowly beat the Las Vegas Raiders 23–21 Sunday, extending their winning streak to seven games, but defensive end Will Anderson Jr. said the team still felt a sense of dissatisfaction despite the victory.
Houston’s defense scored early when cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn added three field goals. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz late in the fourth quarter to give the Texans a 23–14 lead. The Raiders’ rookie running back Ashton Jeanty responded with a 51-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit, but Houston managed to run out the clock after a key third-and-20 conversion following a Raiders penalty.
Houston (10–5) now trails AFC South leader Jacksonville by one game. Stroud finished with 187 passing yards and a touchdown, while Schultz had four receptions for 59 yards. Jeanty had a standout performance for Las Vegas (2–13), rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown and adding a 60-yard touchdown reception. Geno Smith, returning from injury, threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.
Stingley’s 31-yard interception return was his first career touchdown since high school, which he kept to give to his father. Houston led 10–7 after a 55-yard Fairbairn field goal and 13–7 at halftime after a 50-yard kick. Fairbairn’s 49-yard field goal late in the third quarter gave the Texans a 16–14 lead before Stroud’s score sealed the game.
Injuries
Texans: LB Jake Hansen (chest) left in the first quarter; T Aireontae Ersery (hand) injured in the fourth quarter.
Up Next
Texans: At Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.
Raiders: Host the New York Giants next Sunday.
