Late Surge Decides Preseason Clash
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Houston Texans 22-20 on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Reliant Stadium in a game that saw the home team build a commanding early lead before the visitors mounted a decisive late rally. The final score marked the Raiders' first win of the preseason, improving their record to 1-1, while the Texans fell to 0-2. With 69,765 fans in attendance, the contest featured a dramatic shift in momentum that was driven by sustained offensive drives and special teams execution in the closing minutes.
Texans Build Early Lead
Houston controlled the first half, establishing a 17-0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Woody Marks opened the scoring with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 51-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn. The Texan lead expanded to 17-0 after a 52-yard field goal by Matt Gay in the second quarter, though Fairbairn added a 57-yard kick to make it 20-17 in Houston's favor. Despite the early deficit, Las Vegas managed to keep the game within striking distance, setting the stage for a second-half comeback.
Raiders Close the Gap
The third quarter saw the Raiders cut into the deficit with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Dylan Laube, bringing the score to 20-10 in favor of Houston. However, it was in the fourth quarter that Las Vegas truly shifted the momentum. Dare Ogunbowale scored on a 19-yard run, with the point-after attempt failing, narrowing the gap to 20-16. The decisive play came when Aidan O'Connell rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, again with a failed PAT, giving the Raiders a 22-20 lead with time remaining.
Statistical Overview
The Raiders' offensive effort was highlighted by Aidan O'Connell, who completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards. Mike Washington Jr. contributed significantly on the ground with 9 carries for 56 yards, while Brandon Johnson added 41 receiving yards on two catches. For Houston, Davis Mills passed for 93 yards on 11 of 15 attempts. Woody Marks led the Texans on the ground with 37 yards on four carries, including his first-quarter touchdown, and Marlin Klein caught three passes for 31 yards. The game concluded with the Raiders holding on for the win, a result that leaves both teams with mixed preseason records as they continue their preparation.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401873286
