NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive stands and offensive frustration, the Houston Texans escaped Nissan Stadium with a 16-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on a last-second field goal by Matthew Wright on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.

The win, secured as time expired, pushed Houston to a .500 record at 5-5, while the Titans fell to a league-worst 1-9 in a season of continued struggles.

The contest was a stark departure from pregame projections, which heavily favored the home team. The Texans’ defense, led by a relentless pass rush, consistently stifled the Titans’ offense for three quarters, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find the end zone. The Titans managed the only points of the opening two quarters, a 56-yard field goal from Joey Slye late in the first period. The Texans squandered a promising opening drive that reached the Tennessee 13-yard line, culminating in a missed 31-yard field goal attempt by Wright that caromed off the right upright.

Houston’s offense finally broke through in the third quarter. Quarterback Davis Mills engineered a decisive 65-yard drive, capping it with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins. The connection gave Houston its first lead of the game. The Texans extended their advantage later in the quarter with a 41-yard field goal from Wright, taking a 10-6 lead into the final period.

Mills finished the game with an efficient performance, completing 26 of 41 passes for 274 yards and the crucial touchdown to Collins, who was his primary target with 9 receptions for 92 yards. Mills also added 14 yards on the ground.

The Texans added another Wright field goal, this time from 43 yards, early in the fourth quarter to push their lead to 13-6. For much of the game, it appeared that would be enough, as the Titans’ offense, led by quarterback Cam Ward, repeatedly stalled. Ward was under constant pressure, sacked 4.5 times by a Texans defense that featured Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 2.5 sacks.

However, Tennessee mounted a late, desperate rally. Ward led the Titans on a 93-yard touchdown drive in the final two minutes, a march kept alive by a critical 18-yard defensive pass interference penalty on Houston’s Derek Stingley Jr. Ward found Van Jefferson on a 4-yard scoring pass with 1:35 remaining, and Slye’s extra point tied the game at 13-13.

Ward completed 24 of 37 passes for 194 yards and the late touchdown, adding 33 rushing yards. Tight end Chig Okonkwo was his most productive receiver, hauling in 3 passes for 56 yards, including a key 39-yard reception on the tying drive.

Given one last chance, Mills calmly moved the Texans into field goal range. A 17-yard completion to Collins and a series of effective runs by Woody Marks, who had 44 yards on 18 carries, positioned Houston for the win. After using their final timeouts to set the play, Wright connected on a 35-yard field goal as the clock hit zeroes, delivering the victory.

The Titans’ defense, despite the loss, was prolific in making tackles. Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. recorded 12 tackles, while linebacker Cedric Gray was close behind with 11. Safety Amani Hooker added 9 tackles in a losing effort.

The Texans will look to build on the win with a short week, hosting the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. The Titans will remain at home to face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.