Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis

Final Score

Cardinals 27, Texans 24

It was an exciting ending as the Arizona Cardinals hung on to defeat the Houston Texans by a final score of 27-24. Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall fumbled away the ball deep inside Arizona territory while trying to protect a 10-point lead with under five minutes left to play.

The Texans (2-7) scored just a few plays later to cut the lead to a field goal, but that's as close as they would come, as the defense held on a key fourth down on the next possession.

Houston quarterback Case Keenum was productive throughout the first half, but was stifled throughout the second. He completed 22 of 43 passes (51.2 percent) for 201 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for an 87.5 passer rating. He was under heavy pressure throughout and was sacked three times.

With Arian Foster out for the season and requiring back surgery, Ben Tate started at running back, carrying 15 times for 56 yards (3.7 yards per carry).

Andre Johnson had a decent afternoon, grabbing five receptions for 37 yards (7.4 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. Rookie DeAndre Hopkins added six receptions for 69 yards (11.5 yards per catch).

For the Cardinals (5-4), quarterback Carson Palmer threw more touchdowns than interceptions for the second straight game, going 20 of 32 (62.5 percent) for 241 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for a 93.4 passer rating. He was sacked just once, though J.J. Watt forced a fumble on the sack.

Rookie running back Andre Ellington led the team with 55 yards on 11 carries (5.0 yards per carry) while Mendenhall carried 13 times for 42 yards (3.2 yards per carry). Though everyone thought Ellington would still get as many as 20 touches in the game, it was clear who Arians' favorite back is despite Mendenhall's terrible performances.

It was a change of scenery in terms of the leading receivers for Arizona, as Andre Roberts led the way with five receptions for 72 yards (14.4 yards per catch) and a touchdown. Tight end Rob Housler added four receptions for 57 yards (14.3 yards per catch) and scored his first career touchdown.