Game story
In Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-11-05, the Houston Texans took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 39–37 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 37 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Stroud (Houston Texans) paced the passing game, with +21.56 total EPA, and +13.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Stroud (Houston Texans) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +21.56 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+48.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Houston Texans changed the game: (:10) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle to 3-N.Dell for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-54-L.David, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 10 | 7 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 37 |
| Houston Texans | 7 | 3 | 12 | 17 | 0 | 39 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Stroud · Houston Texans · Passing · +21.56 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 2 B. Mayfield · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +13.85 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 3 N. Brown · Houston Texans · Receiving · +11.42 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.90 EPA/play
- 4 D. Schultz · Houston Texans · Receiving · +9.08 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
- 5 N. Dell · Houston Texans · Receiving · +6.87 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 6 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.37 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.27 EPA/play
- 7 R. White · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.66 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
- 8 N. Collins · Houston Texans · Receiving · +4.31 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Stroud — HOU · Passing
C. Stroud posted the highest total EPA (+21.56) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Houston Texans's efficiency. Across 51 counted snaps, they averaged +0.42 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.45 EPA) came from Houston Texans: (12:32) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 85-N.Brown for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
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)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Otton (B. Mayfield pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. White
- Houston Texans — N. Brown (C. Stroud pass)
- Houston Texans — N. Dell (C. Stroud pass)
- Houston Texans — D. Schultz (C. Stroud pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. White
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Otton (B. Mayfield pass)
- Houston Texans — N. Dell (C. Stroud pass)
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- Houston Texans — K. Fairbairn
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. McLaughlin
- Houston Texans — D. Ogunbowale
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the HOU 17 (Q1 57:59) — (12:59) 4-C.McLaughlin 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the TB 14 (Q1 54:14) — (9:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short left to 12-N.Collins for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. TB-35-J.Dean was injured during the play. He is Out.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 54:10) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the HOU 3 (Q1 47:19) — (2:19) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 88-C.Otton for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-J.Greenard].; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 47:13) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q2 39:07) — (9:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-R.White left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 39:05) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the TB 32 (Q2 35:22) — (5:22) 15-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston..
The third quarter: Houston Texans won the period 12–6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the HOU 31 (Q3 27:42) — (12:42) 4-C.McLaughlin 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the TB 75 (Q3 27:32) — (12:32) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 85-N.Brown for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the HOU 37 (Q3 24:28) — (9:28) 4-C.McLaughlin 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the TB 29 (Q3 21:05) — (6:05) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep right to 3-N.Dell for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 20–17. Houston Texans found the end zone from the TB 9 (Q4 14:15) — (14:15) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 86-D.Schultz for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans registered a safety from the TB 2 (Q4 14:11) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 7-C.Stroud rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the HOU 1 (Q4 11:46) — (11:46) (Shotgun) 1-R.White left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 11:43) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the TB 11 (Q4 8:48) — (8:48) 33-D.Ogunbowale 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the HOU 14 (Q4 0:49) — (:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 88-C.Otton for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the HOU 15 (Q4 0:46) — 4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the TB 15 (Q4 0:10).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Houston Texans (Q4 0:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle to 3-N.Dell for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-54-L.David, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:49) — (:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 88-C.Otton for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q4 0:16) — (:16) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 3-N.Dell ran ob at TB 15 for 26 yards [50-V.Vea].
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 1:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield scrambles left end to HOU 36 for 5 yards (4-T.Thomas, 94-K.Davis).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short right to 10-T.Palmer to TB 40 for 15 yards. Lateral to 70-R.Hainsey to TB 37 for -3 yards. Lateral to 88-C.Otton to TB 41 for 4 yards (39-H.To'oTo'o). FUMBLES (
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Houston Texans (Q3 27:32) — (12:32) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 85-N.Brown for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Houston Texans (Q4 0:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle to 3-N.Dell for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-54-L.David, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- Houston Texans (Q4 14:15) — (14:15) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 86-D.Schultz for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 12:12) — (12:12) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep left to 13-M.Evans for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 6-B.Mayfield pass deep left to 13-
Quarterback report card
C.Stroud led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Stroud (Houston Texans) · 51 dropbacks · 58.8% completion · +13.6% CPOE · +0.42 EPA/play · +21.56 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +2.7% CPOE · +0.37 EPA/play · +13.85 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.170 | +0.149 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.5% | 40.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.374 | +0.423 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.093 | -0.367 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.149 | -0.170 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.1% | 57.5% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Tampa Bay Buccaneers +0.17, Houston Texans +0.15) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Houston Texans: 13 drives, +13.15 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12 drives, +14.83 total EPA, 7 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- C. Stroud (Houston Texans) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Stroud (HOU) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 57:59 · HOU 17 · Score 3-0
(12:59) 4-C.McLaughlin 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q1 54:14 · TB 14 · Score 3-6
(9:14) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short left to 12-N.Collins for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. TB-35-J.Dean was injured during the play. He is Out. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q1 54:10 · TB 15 · Score 3-7
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 47:19 · HOU 3 · Score 9-7
(2:19) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 88-C.Otton for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN [52-J.Greenard]. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 47:13 · HOU 15 · Score 10-7
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 39:07 · HOU 1 · Score 16-7
(9:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-R.White left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 39:05 · HOU 15 · Score 17-7
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 35:22 · TB 32 · Score 17-10
(5:22) 15-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q3 27:42 · HOU 31 · Score 20-10
(12:42) 4-C.McLaughlin 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 27:32 · TB 75 · Score 20-16
(12:32) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 85-N.Brown for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q3 24:28 · HOU 37 · Score 23-16
(9:28) 4-C.McLaughlin 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 21:05 · TB 29 · Score 23-22
(6:05) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep right to 3-N.Dell for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 14:15 · TB 9 · Score 23-28
(14:15) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 86-D.Schultz for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans Safety (+2) — Q4 14:11 · TB 2 · Score 23-30
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 7-C.Stroud rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 11:46 · HOU 1 · Score 29-30
(11:46) (Shotgun) 1-R.White left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 11:43 · HOU 15 · Score 30-30
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q4 8:48 · TB 11 · Score 30-33
(8:48) 33-D.Ogunbowale 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-11-C.Johnston. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 0:49 · HOU 14 · Score 36-33
(:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 88-C.Otton for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+7) — Q4 0:46 · HOU 15 · Score 37-33
4-C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-5-J.Camarda. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 0:10 · TB 15 · Score 37-39
(:10) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle to 3-N.Dell for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on TB-54-L.David, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
The Houston Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 39-37 in Week 9, 2023 on 2023-11-05.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37, Houston Texans 39 (TB 37-39 HOU) in Week 9, 2023 on 2023-11-05.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Houston Texans 7; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, Houston Texans 3; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6, Houston Texans 12; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Houston Texans 17; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37, Houston Texans 39.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
Houston Texans touchdown — N. Collins (C. Stroud pass) (Q1 54:14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Otton (B. Mayfield pass) (Q1 47:19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. White (Q2 39:07) Houston Texans touchdown — N. Brown (C. Stroud pass) (Q3 27:32) Houston Texans touchdown — N. Dell (C. Stroud pass) (Q3 21:05) Houston Texans touchdown — D. Schultz (C. Stroud pass) (Q4 14:15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. White (Q4 11:46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Otton (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 0:49) Houston Texans touchdown — N. Dell (C. Stroud pass) (Q4 0:10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q1 57:59, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 35:22, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q3 27:42, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. McLaughlin (Q3 24:28, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — D. Ogunbowale (Q4 8:48, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
C. Stroud (Houston Texans), 58.8% completion, +13.6% CPOE, +0.42 EPA per dropback, +21.56 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 56.8% completion, +2.7% CPOE, +0.37 EPA per dropback, +13.85 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans?
C. Stroud (Houston Texans) led the game in total EPA with +21.56 on passing plays. across 51 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.45 EPA): (12:32) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 85-N.Brown for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +48.9%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Houston Texans won 39-37 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 3-4 Now 3-5 L
Houston Texans
Entered 3-4 Now 4-4 W
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