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Introduction
The NFL Week 16 showdown between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Houston Texans wasn’t just another box score. It was a snapshot of two very different seasons and a reminder that even games expected to be lopsided can come down to the last minutes.
The Texans walked into NRG Stadium as heavy favorites, riding a hot streak and eyeing a deep postseason push. The Raiders, struggling through a tough campaign, were looking for signs of life. What we got was an entertaining, nail-biter finish that went right down to the wire. Las Vegas Raiders+1
In this article, we’ll break down how the game unfolded, where it fits in the bigger picture, and what it means next for both teams.
Game Overview: Final Score and Key Moments
Final Result
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Houston Texans 23, Las Vegas Raiders 21
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Texans score pushed their winning streak to seven games, while the Raiders dropped their ninth in a row. Reuters
This wasn’t a blowout. That’s important. A lot of people expected the Texans to roll, but the Raiders stuck around and forced tension late in the fourth quarter.
How the Scoring Played Out:
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The Texans opened early with a defensive touchdown — Derek Stingley Jr. returned an interception to the house in the first quarter. ESPN.com
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The Raiders answered in the second quarter on a 7-yard Geno Smith to Brock Bowers touchdown. ESPN.com
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Houston added field goals before halftime, and that cushion proved crucial. ESPN.com
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In the fourth, the Texans put the game away with a 1-yard C.J. Stroud pass to Dalton Schultz. ESPN.com
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The Raiders made it close with a 51-yard Ashton Jeanty touchdown run, but time ran out. ESPN.com
There’s your Texans score and Raiders score in one dramatic nutshell.
Offensive and Defensive Highlights
Texans Game Leaders
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C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ young quarterback, wasn’t perfect, but he delivered when it counted, finishing with solid numbers and that game-clinching strike to Schultz. Reuters
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Nico Collins made clutch plays in the fourth quarter, including a key reception that helped kill the clock. Houston Chronicle
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Nick Chubb’s long run early in the decisive scoring drive kept Houston alive and got them deep into Raiders territory. Houston Chronicle
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The Texans’ defense provided that early spark and kept the Raiders just one missed stop away from tying. Reuters
Raiders Game Leaders
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Ashton Jeanty was explosive: 128 rushing yards, a 60-yard touchdown reception, and a long TD run showed the Raiders can strike big even when their overall offense falters. VAVEL.com - Live Sports
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Geno Smith played well in his return from injury, tossing two touchdowns. Reuters
The Raiders defense made some stands, but couldn’t deliver that stop late that would’ve flipped momentum.
Where to Watch (and Follow) Raiders vs Texans
Before kickoff, fans needed the basics: where to watch Las Vegas Raiders vs Texans. Here’s how that worked out:
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Television: CBS carried the game with a full broadcast crew. Las Vegas Raiders
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Live Stream: Paramount+ offered streaming in markets where the local broadcast coverage was available. Las Vegas Raiders
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Radio: Raider Nation Radio and other local affiliates carried live audio. Las Vegas Raiders
If you were wondering “where to watch Texans vs Las Vegas Raiders?” — that was the lineup.
Season Context: What This Means
Texans: A Team on the Rise
Houston entered this Texans game with strong momentum. From 3-5 earlier in the season to 10-5 now, this franchise is putting together one of its better runs in years. Their winning streak (7 games) shows resilience and improvement. Houston Chronicle
Holding onto a playoff spot — and even chasing the AFC South lead — this victory pushes them closer to postseason security. Analysts are giving them high odds to clinch a spot, and with a few games left, they’re in prime position. SB Nation
Raiders: Struggles Continue
On the flip side, the Raiders vs Texans result deepens the Raiders’ woes. Falling to 2-13 pushes them toward one of the worst records in the league and adds pressure on a coaching staff trying to find answers. Wikipedia
Even so, Jeanty’s performance offered some rare bright moments. For a retooling franchise, flashes like that matter when building toward next season.
Player Stats & Matchups
Here’s a closer look at some key player performance numbers from the Las Vegas Raiders vs Texans matchup:
Passing Leaders
Rushing Leaders
Receiving Leaders
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Ashton Jeanty: 1 reception, 60 yards, 1 TD (Raiders) Reddit
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Nico Collins: 4 receptions, ~59 yards (Texans) Reddit
Those lines show just how efficient Jeanty was and how Houston spread the ball around enough to run out the clock late.
Looking Ahead: Raiders and Texans Schedules
For both teams, the regular season still has games left. The Texans schedule shows they still need to lock up their place in the playoffs, while the Raiders will look to end their season strong and build momentum into the offseason.
Postgame chatter from fans and analysts alike has already shifted to what this season’s lessons mean and how both teams can adjust for next year.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing: raiders vs texans in Week 16 was exactly the kind of NFL game that reminds you why football is unpredictable. A team with playoff aspirations barely escaped a squad fighting for dignity — and it came down to the final minutes.
The Texans kept pace in the AFC South and extended a winning streak that could carry them deep into January. The Raiders, meanwhile, showed grit and a young playmaker worth watching next season.
Bottom line: this wasn’t the expected blowout. It was closer — messy at times, thrilling at others, and meaningful for both franchises in very different ways.
References
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How to watch/listen/stream Raiders at Texans (Raiders.com) — Dec 21, 2025. Las Vegas Raiders
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Final score and summary: Texans 23, Raiders 21 (ESPN game center). ESPN.com
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Texans benefit while Raiders fall in standings (Reuters). Reuters
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Game highlights and stats from NFL, Raiders.com. Las Vegas Raiders
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Additional player and scoring details (Houston Chronicle). Houston Chronicle
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