Late Surge Decides Tight Contest
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Houston Texans 22-20 on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Reliant Stadium. The decisive moment came late in the fourth quarter when Aidan O'Connell scrambled for a one-yard touchdown run. Although Kansei Matsuzawa missed the point-after attempt, the six-point play gave the visitors a 22-20 lead that held until the final whistle.
This result improved the Raiders' record to 1-1, while the Texans dropped to 0-2 in the preseason schedule.
Texans Dominate Early
Houston controlled the first half decisively, building a 17-0 lead before the Raiders scored their first points. Woody Marks opened the scoring with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a Ka'imi Fairbairn kick. The lead expanded when Wade Woodaz returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, also followed by a Fairbairn kick.
Fairbairn then added a 51-yard field goal to cap the first quarter, leaving the Texans up 17-0. In the second quarter, Matt Gay kicked a 52-yard field goal for Las Vegas to cut the deficit to 17-3. Fairbairn responded with a 57-yard field goal, giving Houston a 20-3 lead heading into halftime.
Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards for Houston, while Woody Marks rushed for 37 yards on four carries and scored a touchdown.