Texans Take Down Bills in AFC Showdown, 24-14, as Derrick Henry Powers Houston to 8-3
HOUSTON (AP) — In a matchup between two AFC heavyweights jockeying for playoff position, the Houston Texans delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating the Buffalo Bills 24-14 on Sunday at NRG Stadium.
Houston entered the week at 7-3 and Buffalo at 8-2 — and both left at 8-3, with the Texans making a clear statement that they belong in the conference’s top tier.
The star of the afternoon was Derrick Henry, who continued his late-season resurgence by bulldozing the Bills defense for 199 rushing yards and a touchdown. Henry controlled the game from the opening quarter, ripping off chunk gains and keeping Houston ahead of the chains throughout.
Quarterback Drake Maye played a steady complementary role, protecting the football and managing the offense with poise against a Buffalo defense intent on stopping big plays.
Houston’s defense bent at times but never broke, forcing Josh Allen and the Bills into long drives and capitalizing on key stops in the second half.
Interim head coach Frank Ross praised his team’s physicality and composure afterward. “That’s Texans football right there,” Ross said. “Run it and win the line of scrimmage. Derrick set the tone for us all day.”
At 8-3, Houston is officially back in the thick of the AFC race — and with Henry running like this, nobody wants to be in their path.
Packers Blank Vikings 20-0, Improve to 10-1 Behind Dominant Defense and Montgomery’s Steady Ground Game
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers continued their march atop the NFC on Sunday, suffocating the Minnesota Vikings in a 20-0 shutout at Lambeau Field to improve to 10-1 on the season.
With Isiah Pacheco sidelined, the Packers leaned on veteran running back David Montgomery, who delivered a workmanlike performance with 100 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. His physical style kept Green Bay ahead of the sticks and allowed the offense to control tempo throughout the afternoon.
Tight end Dallas Goedert came up big in key moments, hauling in six catches for 84 yards, repeatedly converting third downs and extending drives when the passing game needed a reliable option.
But the story of the day — unquestionably — was the Green Bay defense. The Packers kept Minnesota out of the end zone, off the scoreboard, and off balance for all four quarters. The secondary dominated from start to finish, highlighted by a breakout game from star corner Christian Gonzalez, who grabbed two interceptions and erased his side of the field.
“We pride ourselves on defense,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “Today was the standard — physical up front, disciplined in coverage, and opportunistic when the ball's in the air.”
With the win, the Packers further tighten their grip on the NFC’s top seed and show once again why they’re one of the league’s most complete and dangerous teams heading into the stretch run.
49ers Take Over NFC West With 31-13 Monday Night Win, Smother Panthers With Eight Sacks
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers made a loud statement, dominating the Carolina Panthers 31-13 to move to 8-4 and seize first place in the NFC West.
The 49ers offense was efficient and ruthless, piling up 404 total yards despite a run-heavy game script. Quarterback Jordan Love showcased surgical precision, throwing four touchdown passes on just 178 yards, adding a rushing touchdown of his own to cap off a five-score performance. His red-zone mastery allowed San Francisco to cash in repeatedly without needing explosive plays.
But the real punishment was delivered by the Niners defense, which turned Bryce Young’s night into a survival exercise. San Francisco racked up eight sacks, collapsing the pocket from every angle. Veteran pass rusher Arden Key led the charge with 2.5 sacks, while the defensive front rotated fresh pressure all game long.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised the complete team effort. “We executed in every phase,” he said. “Jordan took care of the ball, the defense hunted, and that’s the formula for December football.”
With the win, the 49ers jump into sole possession of first place in the NFC West and continue to build momentum toward another postseason push.
