Texans Fall to Titans 29-24, Playoff Fate Uncertain
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Houston Texans dropped a crucial game to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, losing 29-24 at Nissan Stadium. The defeat leaves Houston (10-7) on the edge of the playoff picture, awaiting results from other games to determine their postseason fate.
The Texans offense struggled to find its usual rhythm, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown but also tossing two costly interceptions. Derrick Henry, who has been a consistent force for Houston this season, was held to 56 rushing yards but managed to punch in two touchdowns to keep the Texans within reach.
“It’s a tough one to swallow,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “We fought hard, but we didn’t make the plays we needed to in critical moments. Now we just have to wait and see how things shake out.”
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Texans will anxiously await the outcomes of other Week 18 matchups to see if their 10-7 record is enough to secure a spot in the AFC playoffs.
Packers Eliminate Bears from Playoffs with 10-7 Victory
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — In a game that had no playoff implications for the Green Bay Packers but everything on the line for their rivals, the Packers secured a 10-7 win over the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The victory knocked the Bears out of playoff contention and served as a final regular-season tune-up for Green Bay (13-4), who already clinched the NFC's number one seed.
The Packers' defense was the star of the game, with cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams twice, including a key pick in the fourth quarter to snuff out a potential game-tying drive.
The Bears managed a lone touchdown in the second quarter but struggled to move the ball consistently against Green Bay’s stingy defense.
“Anytime you can beat the Bears, it’s a good day,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But our focus now is on the playoffs. We’ve got bigger goals ahead.”
The Packers now turn their attention to the postseason, while the Bears head into the offseason wondering what could have been.
Chargers Close Season with 27-17 Win Over Raiders
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers ended their 2024 campaign on a high note, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 27-17 on Sunday to secure a winning record at 9-8.
The Chargers dominated on the ground, with Najee Harris, Will Levis, and fullback Hunter Luepke each rushing for a touchdown.
“This was a great way to finish,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We showed resilience this season, and now it’s about building on this momentum for next year.”
For GM CD, the win closes a season of ups and downs. With a strong foundation in place, the Chargers aim to bolster their roster through free agency and the draft to make a stronger playoff push in 2025.
49ers Fall to Cardinals but Clinch NFC West, Secure No. 2 Seed
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers closed out the regular season with a 35-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday but still clinched the NFC West and secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Jordan Love continued his strong campaign, throwing for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Love connected with CeeDee Lamb and rookie David Nkoju for scores, making a final push for 3GML MVP honors.
Despite the defeat, San Francisco (10-7) capped a successful regular season highlighted by their dominance in divisional play, finishing 5-1 in the NFC West.
“Not the way we wanted to end the season, but we’re ready for what’s ahead,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We’ve earned the right to play at home, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The 49ers will host the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round next weekend, aiming to kick off their postseason run on a high note.
