Raiders at Texans final score: Oakland holds off Houston, 28-23

The Oakland Raiders knew they had a tough task to deal with heading to Houston this week. They were without starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was replaced by undrafted rookie Matt McGloin. They were without starting running back Darren McFadden and they were facing a Texans team, who despite a woeful start to the season, had seemingly turned things around – at least on defense.

Things obviously didn’t stack in their favor, but that’s why you play the game as the Raiders essentially ran rough shot over the Texans, who suffered another disappointing loss in an already dreadful season.

Houston was nearly immediately in a big hole thanks to an early turnover which gave the Raiders a 7-0 lead after McGloin tossed his first ever NFL touchdown to Denarius Moore. That lead quickly ended to fourteen points after McGloin again found the end zone, this time Rod Streater for a sixteen yard touchdown pass.

The Texans refused to go quietly into the night though as not only did they storm back to tie the game, but took a 17-14 lead prior to halftime after touchdowns from Garrett Graham and Keshawn Martin.

That lead wouldn’t last long however as Oakland opened scoring in the second half thanks to McGloin’s third touchdown on the day. Another touchdown, this time an 80-yard rush from Rashad Jennings pushed the Raiders lead to 11, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish – though the victory wasn’t without some drama. Houston, who brought in Matt Schaub after Case Keenum was benched got the Texans to within five points and yards from taking a last second lead. But on fourth down in the red zone, the Texans couldn’t covert giving Oakland the victory.

Oakland moves to 4-6 with the win while Houston falls to 2-8.