Decisive Late Runs
The Las Vegas Raiders overcame a significant early deficit to defeat the Houston Texans 22-20 on Friday, August 21, 2026. The outcome was determined in the fourth quarter when two rushing touchdowns by Las Vegas players shifted the momentum after the teams had been deadlocked at 20 points.
With the score tied at 20-20 late in the contest, Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale provided a brief spark with a 19-yard run. However, his subsequent point-after-touchdown attempt failed, leaving the game knotted. Immediately following that sequence, Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell scored on a 1-yard run. His own PAT also failed, but the six points proved sufficient to secure the victory.
First Half Dominance by Houston
Houston controlled the opening half of the exhibition at Reliant Stadium, establishing a commanding lead that seemed insurmountable for much of the night. The Texans jumped out early behind strong defensive and special teams plays alongside their offense.
In the first period, Woody Marks rushed for 37 yards on four carries and scored on a 20-yard run, which was converted by Ka'imi Fairbairn’s kick to make it 7-0. The Texans extended that lead when Wade Woodaz returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, also kicked by Fairbairn, pushing the score to 14-0.
Marks added another touchdown later in the quarter on a run, and Fairbairn kicked a 51-yard field goal to cap the period with a 17-0 advantage.
The second quarter saw Las Vegas finally get on the board when Matt Gay kicked a 52-yard field goal. Houston responded before halftime as Fairbairn drained a 57-yard field goal, bringing the halftime score to 20-3 in favor of the home team.
