Tennessee Titans (3-14) – Houston Texans (10-7): 14-23
In a meeting that looked like a preseason match, CJ Stroud (6/6, 50 yards, 1TD) and Houston only needed one possession to reassure themselves after being catastrophic against the Ravens last week. David Mills (12/22,128 yards), who played the rest of the game, didn't show much but avoided losing balls.
The Titans gave almost equal playing time to their two quarterbacks. Will Levis and Mason Rudolph confirmed in turn, in this match, that they do not have the level to be starters in the NFL.
One series and that's it
Already qualified and assured of fourth place in the conference, the Texans still send the starters to the start of the match. A first series sufficient to regain confidence. The CJ Stroud/Nico Collins connection (5 receptions, 38 yards, 1TD) works at full capacity and the receiver scores the first touchdown of the game, 0-7.
The game is over for the starters on offense, but it's not the end of the show. After a first series concluded with a punt, the second ended in the endzone, in a single play. A 92-yard run, signed Dameon Pierce (19 races, 176 yards, 1TD), allowed the Texans to lead 13-0.
The last of the Will Levis experiment?
For the Titans, it's less of a party. Will Levis is entitled to three series which all end in a punt. Mason Rudolph was hardly more successful but nevertheless managed to advance his team enough to unlock the counter. Just before the break, Houston advances enough to regain the lead, 3-16.
After a lackluster third quarter, Will Levis returned to the field. Even if he doesn't have much to do with it, his return is synonymous with a fumble for the Titans. Bryce Oliver lets the ball slip and Derrek Barnett takes the opportunity to increase the lead, 6-23.
As we slowly head towards the end of the match, Levis desperately lets go of his arm and miraculously finds Tay Martin who finishes his race in the endzone. The two-point conversion was successful, 14-23.
It is on this last stroke of brilliance that the Titans' sad season ends. A fourteenth defeat which nevertheless gives them the first choice in the 2025 draft.
