Instant analysis: Texans reach new low in Titans comeback win

The Houston Texans fall to 7-5 on the season after multiple miscues led to a Tennessee Titans victory at NRG Stadium.

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.

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.

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.