Game story
In Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season on 2025-01-05, the Houston Texans took care of business against the Tennessee Titans, pulling away with a 23–14 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 18 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Mills (Houston Texans) paced the passing game, with -3.03 total EPA, and -13.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Pierce (Houston Texans) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.59 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+17.8% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Houston Texans changed the game: (14:07) 31-D.Pierce right guard for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | 7 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
| Tennessee Titans | 0 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 14 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Pierce · Houston Texans · Rushing · +6.59 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 2 T. Martin · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +5.37 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.68 EPA/play
- 3 C. Stroud · Houston Texans · Passing · +5.28 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
- 4 N. Collins · Houston Texans · Receiving · +4.22 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
- 5 W. Levis · Tennessee Titans · Passing · +4.03 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 6 C. Ridley · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +3.72 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 7 N. Vannett · Tennessee Titans · Receiving · +1.95 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
- 8 M. Rudolph · Tennessee Titans · Passing · +1.89 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Pierce — HOU · Rushing
D. Pierce posted the highest total EPA (+6.59) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Houston Texans's efficiency. Across 19 counted snaps, they averaged +0.35 EPA per play.
The signature play (-9.45 EPA) came from Tennessee Titans: (14:00) 8-W.Levis FUMBLES (Aborted) at TEN 42, RECOVERED by HOU-95-D.Barnett at TEN 36. 95-D.Barnett for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on HOU, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Houston Texans — N. Collins (C. Stroud pass)
- Houston Texans — D. Pierce
- Houston Texans — D. Barnett
- Tennessee Titans — T. Martin (W. Levis pass)
Field goals
- Tennessee Titans — M. Wright
- Tennessee Titans — M. Wright
- Houston Texans — K. Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — unlisted player
- Tennessee Titans — M. Wright
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Houston Texans won the period 7–0. Houston Texans found the end zone from the TEN 2 (Q1 52:47) — (7:47) 7-C.Stroud pass short left to 12-N.Collins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the TEN 15 (Q1 52:43) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend..
The second quarter: Houston Texans won the period 12–6. Houston Texans found the end zone from the TEN 92 (Q2 44:07) — (14:07) 31-D.Pierce right guard for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tennessee Titans connected on a field goal from the HOU 17 (Q2 31:45) — (1:45) 7-M.Wright 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-R.Stonehouse.; Tennessee Titans connected on a field goal from the TEN 35 (Q2 31:41) — 7-M.Wright kicks 60 yards from TEN 35 to HOU 5, out of bounds. PENALTY on TEN-7-M.Wright, Kickoff Out of Bounds, placed at HOU 40.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the TEN 9 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 15-K.Fairbairn 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal (Q2 30:00) — END QUARTER 2.
The third quarter: Tennessee Titans won the period 3–0. Tennessee Titans connected on a field goal from the HOU 20 (Q3 21:51) — (6:51) 7-M.Wright 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-R.Stonehouse..
The fourth quarter: Tennessee Titans won the period 8–7. Houston Texans found the end zone from the HOU 55 (Q4 14:00); Houston Texans added 1 points from the TEN 30 (Q4 13:50) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.; Tennessee Titans found the end zone from the HOU 49 (Q4 2:49) — (2:49) (Shotgun) 8-W.Levis pass deep middle to 18-T.Martin for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tennessee Titans registered a safety from the HOU 2 (Q4 2:41) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-W.Levis pass to 81-J.Whyle is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Houston Texans (Q2 44:07) — (14:07) 31-D.Pierce right guard for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tennessee Titans (Q4 14:00) — (14:00) 8-W.Levis FUMBLES (Aborted) at TEN 42, RECOVERED by HOU-95-D.Barnett at TEN 36. 95-D.Barnett for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on HOU, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Tennessee Titans (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 8-W.Levis pass deep right to 0-C.Ridley ran ob at TEN 40 for 39 yards. Houston challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands. (Timeout #2.)
- Houston Texans (Q2 30:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) 10-D.Mills pass incomplete deep right to 19-X.Hutchinson. PENALTY on TEN-21-R.McCreary, Defensive Pass Interference, 35 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.
- Tennessee Titans (Q3 22:33) — (7:33) (Shotgun) 11-M.Rudolph sacked at HOU 20 for -8 yards (97-M.Edwards).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tennessee Titans (Q4 14:00) — (14:00) 8-W.Levis FUMBLES (Aborted) at TEN 42, RECOVERED by HOU-95-D.Barnett at TEN 36. 95-D.Barnett for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on HOU, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Houston Texans (Q2 44:07) — (14:07) 31-D.Pierce right guard for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tennessee Titans (Q4 2:49) — (2:49) (Shotgun) 8-W.Levis pass deep middle to 18-T.Martin for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q3 16:22) — (1:22) 10-D.Mills pass incomplete short left to 19-X.Hutchinson.
Quarterback report card
D.Mills led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Mills (Houston Texans) · 26 dropbacks · 46.2% completion · -13.1% CPOE · -0.12 EPA/play · -3.03 total EPA
- W.Levis (Tennessee Titans) · 20 dropbacks · 45.0% completion · -2.6% CPOE · +0.20 EPA/play · +4.03 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Houston Texans | Tennessee Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.052 | -0.101 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.3% | 40.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.070 | +0.185 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.228 | -0.601 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.101 | -0.052 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.7% | 48.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Houston Texans generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.10), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Houston Texans: 11 drives, +3.98 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Tennessee Titans: 10 drives, -7.75 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Houston Texans leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- D. Pierce (Houston Texans) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- D. Mills (HOU) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q1 52:47 · TEN 2 · Score 6-0
(7:47) 7-C.Stroud pass short left to 12-N.Collins for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q1 52:43 · TEN 15 · Score 7-0
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q2 44:07 · TEN 92 · Score 13-0
(14:07) 31-D.Pierce right guard for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tennessee Titans FG (+3) — Q2 31:45 · HOU 17 · Score 13-3
(1:45) 7-M.Wright 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-R.Stonehouse. - Tennessee Titans FG (+3) — Q2 31:41 · TEN 35 · Score 13-3
7-M.Wright kicks 60 yards from TEN 35 to HOU 5, out of bounds. PENALTY on TEN-7-M.Wright, Kickoff Out of Bounds, placed at HOU 40. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · TEN 9 · Score 16-3
(:03) 15-K.Fairbairn 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 30:00 · Score 16-3
END QUARTER 2 - Tennessee Titans FG (+3) — Q3 21:51 · HOU 20 · Score 16-6
(6:51) 7-M.Wright 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-M.Cox, Holder-4-R.Stonehouse. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 14:00 · HOU 55 · Score 22-6
(14:00) 8-W.Levis FUMBLES (Aborted) at TEN 42, RECOVERED by HOU-95-D.Barnett at TEN 36. 95-D.Barnett for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on HOU, Unsportsmanlike Co - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q4 13:50 · TEN 30 · Score 23-6
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend. - Tennessee Titans TD (+6) — Q4 2:49 · HOU 49 · Score 23-12
(2:49) (Shotgun) 8-W.Levis pass deep middle to 18-T.Martin for 49 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tennessee Titans Safety (+2) — Q4 2:41 · HOU 2 · Score 23-14
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-W.Levis pass to 81-J.Whyle is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
The Houston Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 23-14 in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the final score of Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
The final score was Houston Texans 23, Tennessee Titans 14 (HOU 23-14 TEN) in Week 18, 2024 on 2025-01-05.
What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
Q1: Houston Texans 7, Tennessee Titans 0; Q2: Houston Texans 12, Tennessee Titans 6; Q3: Houston Texans 0, Tennessee Titans 3; Q4: Houston Texans 7, Tennessee Titans 8; Final: Houston Texans 23, Tennessee Titans 14.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
Houston Texans touchdown — N. Collins (C. Stroud pass) (Q1 52:47) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Pierce (Q2 44:07) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Barnett (Q4 14:00) Tennessee Titans touchdown — T. Martin (W. Levis pass) (Q4 2:49) Tennessee Titans field goal — M. Wright (Q2 31:45, 3 pts) Tennessee Titans field goal — M. Wright (Q2 31:41, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:00, 3 pts) Tennessee Titans field goal — M. Wright (Q3 21:51, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
D. Mills (Houston Texans), 46.2% completion, -13.1% CPOE, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -3.03 total passing EPA. W. Levis (Tennessee Titans), 45.0% completion, -2.6% CPOE, +0.20 EPA per dropback, +4.03 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans?
D. Pierce (Houston Texans) led the game in total EPA with +6.59 on rushing plays. across 19 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-9.45 EPA): (14:00) 8-W.Levis FUMBLES (Aborted) at TEN 42, RECOVERED by HOU-95-D.Barnett at TEN 36. 95-D.Barnett for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on HOU, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enf. The biggest win-probability swing was +17.8%.
Season records after this game
Houston Texans
Entered 9-7 Now 10-7 W
Tennessee Titans
Entered 3-13 Now 3-14 L
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