Despite being favored by more than a touchdown against the division rival Tennessee Titans, the Texans suffered a massive letdown Sunday, losing at home 32-27.
Titans quarterback Will Levis outplayed his Texans counterpart C.J. Stroud, despite throwing an interception for a touchdown to safety Jimmie Ward.
Early in the game, it seemed like the Texans might roll to victory. They started with an 80-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce, which led to a 19-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to rookie Cade Stover on the first offensive play of the game.
After that, the offense fell flat and failed to get into a consistent rhythm. Stroud finished 20-of-33 for 247 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Running back Joe Mixon, who had arguably been Houston's best offensive player this season, ran for just 22 yards on 14 carries. Nico Collins had five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, but it was not nearly enough for the Texans.
Houston's defense had its moments, with Ward's pick-six and sacking Levis eight times. Yet the Texans were unable to seal the deal at the end, missing a 28-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn that would've tied the game late, then getting sacked for a safety on their final offensive possession.
Listen to Sean Pendergast and Clint Stoerner on the postgame show here.