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Final Score
Houston Texans 3-7-7-3 — 20
Oakland Raiders 0-10-3-14 — 27
Box Score
The NFL returned to play a regular season game in Mexico for the first time since 2005. More than 75,000 attended the Monday Night Football game between the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.
In a close battle, the Raiders claimed a 27-20 victory in the Week 11 match-up and remain atop the AFC West standings. The Texans hung in there for the majority of the game, but fell apart in the fourth quarter.
With about 11 minutes left in the game, Houston’s defense allowed a 75-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jamize Olawale, which tied the game 20-20.
After a slower start, Oakland’s offense rallied in the final quarter. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr notched two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to seal the win. He finished the night completing 21 of 31 passes for 295 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler contended with a green laser pointed at him throughout the game. Despite the distraction, he still showed improvement, finishing 26-of-39 for 246 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.
Here’s a look at how the game unfolded:
Game Highlights
Texans Get on the Board First With a Field Goal
On the first drive, Brock Osweiler completed passes to four receivers. He went 4 of 6 for 52 yards. Osweiler led a 13-play drive capped off by a 32-yard field goal to give Texans a 3-0 lead with 8:34 left in the first. Nick Novak kicked the field goal.
Jalen Richard Caught a 17-Yard Touchdown Pass
The Raiders offense found their rhythm and went 79 yards in eight plays. Quarterback Derek Carr connected with running back Jalen Richard for a 17-yard touchdown to give Oakland their first touchdown with 14:54 left in the second quarter.
Carr then led a 5 play drive to set up a 19-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski to give the Raiders a 10-3 lead.
Braxton Miller Caught a 12-Yard TD Pass From Osweiler
Brock Osweiler hit DeAndre Hopkins who appeared to be off to the races for a Houston touchdown. However, Hopkins’ bid for a 34-yard touchdown came up just short after referees rules he stepped out of bounds at the one-yard line. But two plays later, Houston tied things up 10-10 when Braxton Miller caught a 12-yard pass from Osweiler with 7:59 left in the first half.
Miller Found the End Zone to Give Texans the Lead
Miller scored his third rushing touchdown of the season with a one-yard rushing touchdown with 8:32 left in the third quarter. The 13-play drive went 65 yards and lasted 6:19.
Raiders Tied the Game With Olawale’s 75-Yard Touchdown Catch
Derek Carr connected with Jamize Olawale for a 75-yard catch and run to tie the game at 20 with 10:44 left in the fourth quarter.
Raiders Take the Lead With Cooper’s 35-Yard TD
Raiders jumped to a 27-20 lead over the Texans on Amari Cooper’s 35-yard touchdown reception.
Game Stats
Texans
Passing: Brock Osweiler 26 for 39, 243 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Lamar Miller 24 CAR, 104 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving: C.J. Fiedorowicz 6 REC, 82 YDS
Defense: Benardrick McKinney 8 TOT, 8 SOLO
Raiders
Passing: Derek Carr 21 for 31, 295 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Latavius Murray 12 CAR, 33 YDS
Receiving: Jamize Olawale 3 REC, 90 YDS, 1 TD
Defense: Bruce Irvin 10 TOT, 9 SOLO, 1 SACK; Malcolm Smith 10 TOT, 9 SOLO
Game Preview
The Raiders (7-2) are coming off a bye week after a big win in Week 9. Oakland notched a 30-20 victory over defending Super Bowl champion, the Denver Broncos. Running back Latavius Murray was crucial for Oakland’s win — rushing for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Their offense finished with 218 yards on the ground against the Broncos. The Raiders need a win to remain in contention for a playoff spot in the top-heavy AFC West.
Meanwhile, the Texans remain at the top of the AFC South after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Despite playing without J.J. Watt, Houston is still ranked fourth in total defense. They haven’t allowed an opposing quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards all season however, they are 25th in rush defense. Expect the Raiders to rely heavily on their ground game with Murray and Derek Carr leading the way.
Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler has struggled with inconsistent play all season. He has a 58.6 percent completion rate with nine interceptions, and is averaging a league-low 5.6 yards per pass.
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