On January 5, 2025, the Tennessee Titans hosted the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, in a Week 18 NFL regular-season finale. The game, broadcast on CBS, saw an attendance of 61,815 and was officiated by referees Rick Patterson, Sarah Thomas, Brad Allen, Chad Hill, Duane Heydt, Walter Flowers, and Tyree Walton. The Texans emerged victorious with a 23-14 win, securing a 10-7 record and clinching a playoff berth, while the Titans ended their season at 3-14. This matchup was significant for the Texans, who were looking to build momentum for the playoffs, and for the Titans, who aimed to end a challenging season on a high note. The game showcased the Texans’ dominant rushing attack, led by Dameon Pierce, and their opportunistic defense, which capitalized on turnovers, while the Titans struggled to find offensive rhythm despite some standout individual performances.
Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats
- Sport: American Football
- League: National Football League (NFL)
- Date: January 5, 2025
- Week: 18 (Regular Season Finale)
- Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
- Broadcast: CBS
- Teams: Home Team: Tennessee Titans Away Team: Houston Texans
- Final Score: Houston Texans 23, Tennessee Titans 14
- Winner: Houston Texans
Game Context and Background
The Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a balanced offense, were coming off a strong season, seeking to secure a favorable playoff seed. The Titans, on the other hand, were in a rebuilding phase, with Will Levis at quarterback and a roster hit hard by injuries, finishing the season with a disappointing 3-14 record. This game was a chance for the Titans to play spoiler, while the Texans aimed to build momentum for the postseason. The tight scoreline and Texans’ victory highlighted their ability to grind out wins against a struggling opponent.
First Half Highlights
The first half saw the Texans take control early, with Dameon Pierce’s 92-yard touchdown run in the second quarter setting the tone. By halftime, the Texans led 16-3, thanks to field goals by Ka’imi Fairbairn and Matthew Wright, and Pierce’s long score. For the Titans, Will Levis struggled, finishing the half with limited production, while the defense managed to force a fumble, recovered by Derek Barnett for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Second Half Key Moments
The second half saw the Titans mount a late rally, with Tay Martin catching a 49-yard touchdown pass from Levis in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 23-14. However, the Texans responded with a field goal to seal the game. The Titans’ offense showed flashes of potential, but turnovers and inconsistent play kept them from closing the gap. The Texans’ defense, particularly their ability to force turnovers, was crucial in maintaining the lead.
Offensive Player Stats Breakdown
Below are the detailed stats for key offensive players from both teams, based on data from FOX Sports and supplemented by game reports.
Houston Texans Offensive Leaders
| Player | Pos | Total Yds | TD | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec Yds | Rec TD | KR Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dameon Pierce | RB | 176 | 1 | 176 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nico Collins | WR | 38 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 1 | 0 |
| Robert Woods | WR | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 9 |
| Dalton Schultz | TE | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Mixon | RB | 28 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Diontae Johnson | WR | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| John Metchie III | WR | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Xavier Hutchinson | WR | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 32 |
| Dare Ogunbowale | RB | 23 | 0 | -3 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
Tennessee Titans Offensive Leaders
| Player | Pos | Total Yds | TD | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Rec Yds | Rec TD | KR Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Ridley | WR | 73 | 0 | -3 | 0 | 76 | 0 | 0 |
| Tony Pollard | RB | 62 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tay Martin | WR | 49 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 1 | 0 |
| Will Levis | QB | -1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Whyle | TE | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 0 |
| Bryce Oliver | WR | 128 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 113 |
| Mason Rudolph | QB | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Julius Chestnut | RB | 11 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Vannett | TE | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | WR | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 0 |
Team Stats Overview
| Team | Time of Possession | Total Yards | Total Plays | Yards per Play | Pass Yards | Yards per Pass | Rushing Yards | Rush Avg | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOU | 30:01 | 374 | 58 | 6.4 | 167 | 6.0 | 207 | 7.1 | 1 |
| TEN | 29:59 | 314 | 60 | 5.2 | 229 | 8.8 | 85 | 2.7 | 1 |
Defensive Leaders and Special Teams Impact
For the Texans, Derek Barnett’s fumble return for a touchdown was a game-changer, while the defense recorded multiple sacks and forced turnovers, limiting the Titans’ offensive opportunities. For the Titans, their defense struggled to contain Pierce, with no sacks recorded and limited pressure on Stroud.
In special teams, both teams had contributions, with Bryce Oliver’s 113 kick return yards for the Titans and Xavier Hutchinson’s 32 kick return yards for the Texans adding value, but no significant plays that shifted the game’s outcome.
Game-Changing Plays & Turning Points
- Dameon Pierce’s 92-Yard Touchdown Run (Q2, 14:07): Pierce’s long run gave the Texans a 13-0 lead, setting the tone for their dominance.
- Derek Barnett’s 36-Yard Fumble Return for a Touchdown (Q4, 13:50): This play extended the Texans’ lead to 23-7, effectively sealing the game.
- Tay Martin’s 49-Yard Touchdown Reception (Q4, 2:41): Martin’s long catch from Levis cut the deficit to 23-14, briefly igniting hopes of a Titans comeback, but it was too late.
Tactical Analysis
The Texans’ strategy focused on establishing a strong rushing game, with Pierce’s 176 yards overwhelming the Titans’ defense. Their defense capitalized on turnovers, forcing a fumble that led to Barnett’s touchdown. The Titans, on the other hand, struggled offensively, with Levis finishing with -1 total yards due to sacks and pressure, and their inability to stop Pierce highlighted defensive weaknesses.
Implications for Season / Standings
For the Houston Texans, this win solidified their playoff position, showcasing their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. With a balanced offense and a defense that can force turnovers, they are a formidable opponent in the postseason. For the Tennessee Titans, the loss capped off a disappointing season, finishing with a 3-14 record. While they showed flashes of potential, particularly from young players like Levis and Martin, the team needs significant improvements on offense to compete in the future.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans’ 23-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 5, 2025, was a showcase of their physicality and resilience. Dameon Pierce’s historic rushing performance and Derek Barnett’s defensive touchdown were pivotal, while the Titans’ offense, despite some bright spots, couldn’t keep pace. As the Texans look ahead to the playoffs, they will rely on their balanced attack and opportunistic defense to make a deep run. For the Titans, this game highlighted areas for growth, particularly in offensive consistency and defensive pressure.
