The Las Vegas Raiders will confront the Houston Texans in a pivotal NFL matchup on December 21, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game is set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET and will be available for live streaming via free trials on both DirecTV and FuboTV.
Quarterback Changes and Team Performances
Quarterback Geno Smith returns to the Raiders’ lineup after recovering from back and shoulder injuries. He missed last week’s game, where the Raiders suffered a heavy defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles, losing 31-0. In his absence, Kenny Pickett struggled, completing only 64 yards with four sacks during the game. Coach Pete Carroll confirmed that Smith will not only start against the Texans but will also lead the team for the remainder of the season, barring any unforeseen injuries.
The Raiders currently face significant challenges. Ranked last in the league, Las Vegas averages just 14 points and 244.1 yards per game. In contrast, the Texans boast one of the strongest defenses in the NFL, allowing only 16.3 points and 269.2 yards per game. Houston has recorded an impressive total of 38 sacks this season, while Smith has been sacked a staggering 49 times, making this matchup critical for the Raiders’ offensive line.
Current Team Dynamics and Recent Changes
The Texans are entering this game with a six-game winning streak, bringing their season record to 9-5. Meanwhile, the Raiders are struggling, having lost eight consecutive games, which places them at a dismal 2-12 record. The performance of the Raiders’ offense will be under close scrutiny as they aim to rebound from their recent setbacks.
In a strategic move, the Raiders have also signed defensive tackle Brodric Martin off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Martin participated in one game for Pittsburgh earlier this season and spent the first ten weeks on the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. To facilitate this addition, the Raiders waived defensive end Jahfari Harvey.
As both teams prepare for this important clash, the outcome could significantly impact their respective seasons, with the Texans looking to solidify their playoff position and the Raiders striving to end their losing streak.
