NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired in overtime and the Houston Texans rallied from a 13-point deficit without C.J. Stroud to beat the Tennessee Titans 19-16 Sunday.
The Texans (8-6) entered the day one spot outside the AFC's seven-team playoff field. They kept pace by winning without several key players, including Stroud — their standout rookie quarterback — along with top receiver Nico Collins, right tackle George Fant and a pair of defensive starters.
Case Keenum made his first start since Week 17 of the 2021 season for Cleveland. He filled in for Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick who didn’t practice all week while in the concussion protocol and didn’t travel. Keenum threw for 229 yards and helped Houston outgain the Titans 340-204.
Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis left with 1:49 left in overtime after being sacked for the seventh time with his left leg caught underneath him in the pile. He didn’t put pressure on the leg as he was helped off initially, then walked off. He was jogging on the sideline after a check in the medical tent.
Fairbairn, in his first game back after missing the last five with an injured quadriceps muscle, helped the Texans claw back. He made field goals of 23, 27 and 53 yards as the offense stalled close to the goal line.
Game highlights
First half
The Titans got on the board first as Tennessee QB Will Levis led a scoring drive after a Texans three-and-out. He capped off the drive himself with this touchdown run.
Tennessee added to the lead with a pick-six off Keenum.
Outside of the first drive, the Texans' defense has kept the team in it.
Houston managed a field goal just before the half to cut it to 13-3.
Second half
The Houston defense continued to play well. Stephen Nelson got the pick here on a Levis pass that led to three points.
The Texans tied it up at 16 with this Keenum to Noah Brown scoring strike.
Overtime
Fairbairn nailed a 54-yard field goal to give Houston the win.