Texans Reach Super Bowl with Thrilling 34-32 Victory Over Browns

HOUSTON, TX — In an AFC Championship for the ages, the Houston Texans, coached by Sean Nguyen, narrowly defeated the Cleveland Browns, led by Marcus Sahagun, in a 34-32 thriller. Despite a late-game interception returned for a touchdown by Denzel Ward that briefly put Cleveland in the lead, the Texans responded with a clutch field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn to seal their place in the Super Bowl.

Game Recap

The game started with both teams trading blows. The Browns got on the board first with a Dustin Hopkins field goal, but Houston answered swiftly with a powerful touchdown run from Joe Mixon. This set the tone for a game full of big plays and tense moments.

Houston relied on the dynamic playmaking abilities of Ty Chandler, who had an impressive day on the ground and through the air. Chandler racked up a 58-yard touchdown reception to help the Texans reclaim momentum in the second quarter. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ quarterback, found success targeting Chandler and Brevin Jordan throughout the game, including a 25-yard strike to Jordan in the third quarter that pushed Houston’s lead to 21-10.

The Browns, however, would not go quietly. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III kept Cleveland in the fight, connecting with Nick Chubb and Anthony Schwartz on critical drives. Schwartz’s touchdown catch brought Cleveland within striking distance at 21-17, and Chubb’s consistent presence in both the rushing and passing game provided stability for the Browns’ offense.

In the fourth quarter, Houston extended their lead once more with a short touchdown pass to Chandler, who finished the day as Houston’s offensive standout. But Cleveland responded with a drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Chubb, making it a one-score game.

The game’s biggest twist came with just over a minute left. Stroud, looking to run out the clock, threw an interception to Denzel Ward, who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown. Hopkins’s extra point put the Browns ahead 32-31, seemingly sealing a dramatic comeback.

But the Texans had one last answer. Steven Sims broke loose on the ensuing kickoff return, setting Houston up in Browns territory at the 45-yard line. Stroud then led a quick drive, picking up crucial yards to set up Ka’imi Fairbairn for a 52-yard field goal attempt. Fairbairn’s kick sailed through the uprights with just seconds remaining, securing the Texans’ trip to the Super Bowl with a 34-32 victory.

Key Stats

• Houston Texans
  • C.J. Stroud: 19/34, 257 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT (pick-six), 3 sacks
  • Ty Chandler: 20 carries, 123 yards, 1 rushing TD; 5 receptions, 91 yards, 2 receiving TDs
  • Brevin Jordan: 1 reception, 25 yards, 1 TD
  • Ka’imi Fairbairn: 2/3 on field goals, including the game-winning 52-yarder
  • Defense: 1 interception (Jimmy Ward), 9 passes deflected
• Cleveland Browns
  • Joe Milton III: 26/51, 307 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
  • Nick Chubb: 18 carries, 36 yards; 6 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD
  • David Njoku: 9 receptions, 140 yards, 1 TD
  • Denzel Ward: 1 interception (returned 34 yards for a touchdown)

Quotes from the Field

“We left everything out there on that field,” Texans head coach Sean Nguyen said. “When Denzel [Ward] made that play, it felt like a punch to the gut. But we stayed focused, executed on special teams, and Ka’imi came through in the clutch.”

Cleveland’s Denzel Ward, who nearly delivered the game’s final blow with his pick-six, reflected on the heartbreaking loss: “I thought we had it. That’s what you play for as a defender, to make a play that swings the game. Credit to Houston, though—they fought till the end.”

Up Next

The Texans now prepare for the biggest stage of all as they head to the Super Bowl, where they’ll face the defending champions, the San Francisco 49ers. With momentum and a resilient team spirit, Houston will aim to claim their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. For the Browns, the loss marks the end of a promising season and a heartbreaking end to their Super Bowl aspirations.