Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we’ll be watching then, too).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here’s where things stand with Week 12 underway:

AFC playoff picture

1. Denver Broncos (9-2), AFC West leaders: Sunday’s win over Kansas City gave them a chokehold on the AFC West throne the Chiefs have sat upon since 2016. It also moved the Broncos past the Patriots for the conference’s top spot − Denver’s record in AFC games (6-2) currently a half-game better than New England’s. A week off is nice … but it could also drop the Broncos back to the third seed due to their Week 2 loss at Indianapolis. Remaining schedule: BYE, at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

2. New England Patriots (9-2), AFC East leaders: Win at Cincinnati on Sunday, and the Pats become the first team to 10 wins this season and would reclaim first place in the conference. They’re in prime position to win the division for the first time since Tom Brady led them to first place in 2019 and maybe their first No. 1 playoff seed since 2017. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

3. Indianapolis Colts (8-2), AFC South leaders: The schedule was Charmin soft before their bye, but you can’t control whom you play. The second-half lineup, starting at Arrowhead, seems much less forgiving. So, too, are the Texans, who are mounting a fresh divisional charge. Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4), AFC North leaders: Only one game up on Baltimore for the division lead, which only means a 41% chance the Steelers reach postseason, per Next Gen Stats. Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), wild card No. 1: The week off arrives right on time for a literally battered team that was figuratively bludgeoned its last time out. Buffalo’s loss Thursday moved Bolts up a spot. Remaining schedule: BYE, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos

6. Buffalo Bills (7-4), wild card No. 2: QB Josh Allen took a beating − as did the Bills’ hopes of catching the Patriots in the AFC East race. Now 4-3 in conference games, Buffalo fell behind the Chargers in the wild-card seeding, too. Remaining schedule: at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4), wild card No. 3: Wins over the Chiefs and Chargers could serve them well when it’s time to sort out tiebreakers. Winning at Arizona? Not so much … though the Jags can’t afford many slip-ups, either. Lose on Sunday, and the Texans displace Jacksonville as the No. 7 seed. Remaining schedule: at Cardinals, at Titans, vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans

8. Houston Texans (6-5), in the hunt: They’ve won four of five, including three in a row without injured QB C.J. Stroud. If they want to win the AFC South for a third straight year, the Texans likely need to sweep the Colts while continuing their surge … but the pieces are falling into place for a late charge to the top. Remaining schedule: at Colts, at Chiefs, vs. Cardinals, vs. Raiders, at Chargers, vs. Colts

9. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), in the hunt: Their nine-year run atop the AFC West appears practically over following their loss in Denver. Still plenty of time to recover otherwise for a team that’s never missed the AFC championship game since Patrick Mahomes became the QB1 in 2018. Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, vs. Chargers, at Titans, vs. Broncos, at Raiders

10. Baltimore Ravens (5-5), in the hunt: They’ve won four in a row in their return to relevance. But their best hope to reach the postseason is to win a third consecutive AFC North crown given they’ve already lost to K.C. and Houston. Their upcoming three-game homestand seems … sweepable? Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, vs. Bengals, vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers

NFC playoff picture

1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), NFC East leaders: Win at Dallas on Sunday, and they’re virtually assured of being the division’s first back-to-back champs in 21 years − the Eagles last doing it in 2004. A Week 3 escape from the Rams, which included a blocked field goal returned for a TD on the final play, currently confers the No. 1 seed to Philly. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders

2. Los Angeles Rams (8-2), NFC West leaders: While they’re a tiebreaker back of Philly, the Rams also have scant breathing room between themselves and the Seahawks, whom they survived Sunday, and the 49ers in the division. LA plays as many NFC South teams as NFC West rivals down the stretch. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

3. Chicago Bears (7-3), NFC North leaders: They’ve won seven of eight since an 0-2 start to stunningly take over first place in the division. Up next? Numerous opportunities to beat their first opponent currently with a winning record. Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Eagles, at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4), NFC South leaders: Their divisional lead is down to a half game over Carolina, but the Bucs’ schedule will get quite manageable on the other side of ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Remaining schedule: at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

5. Seattle Seahawks (7-3), wild card No. 1: All three of the ‘Hawks’ losses are against NFC opponents, including two in the division − defeats that won’t serve them well in the tiebreaker department. Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers

6. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1), wild card No. 2: They got awfully banged up in Sunday’s victory over the Giants yet eventually advanced one rung in the NFC seedings. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings

7. San Francisco 49ers (7-4), wild card No. 3: Detroit’s latest setback moves a third NFC West team into the projected seven-team NFC playoff field. And maybe the Niners can start building some momentum with QB1 Brock Purdy back in the lineup. Monday night’s game against Carolina comes with high stakes. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, at Browns, BYE, vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

8. Detroit Lions (6-4), in the hunt: The offense crashed back to earth Sunday night in Philly as Detroit crashed out of the playoff picture … for now. Had they won in Philly, the Lions would have been the No. 2 seed − illustrative of how tightly packed the conference currently is. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, vs. Packers, vs. Cowboys, at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears

9. Carolina Panthers (6-5), in the hunt: In addition to breathing downs the Bucs’ backs, they’re only a game back of the Niners for the final wild-card spot in the NFC. Winners of six of nine, the Panthers only have one win against a team (Green Bay) currently above .500. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Rams, BYE, at Saints, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers

10. Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1), in the hunt: Monday’s mauling of the Raiders gave this team a needed lift, both emotionally and in the standings − Dallas moving back into the playoff periphery … but it could have a tough time remaining there given the lineup it’s about to face. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, vs. Chiefs, at Lions, vs. Vikings, vs. Chargers, at Commanders, at Giants

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025

None

Two months after Terence Crawford handed Canelo Alvarez the third loss of his career, rumors of a potential rematch in 2026 have surfaced, according to the Mexican outlet TV Azteca.

According to TV Azteca’s social media post, Canelo has discussed plans for a potential rematch, and negotiations are reportedly underway, though specific details remain undisclosed. Crawford has yet to comment or confirm the rematch talks.

Crawford’s first matchup against Canelo in September saw him deliver an impressive performance, defeating Canelo by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113, making Crawford the undisputed super middleweight champion. With this victory, Crawford, who has an undefeated record of 42 wins including 31 knockouts, became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight classes. He moved up from 154 pounds to 168 pounds to secure the win against Canelo.

Canelo is currently signed to a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh, but his next opponent has not been announced.

When is Canelo vs. Crawford 2?

TV Azteca reports that Canelo has initiated discussions for a potential rematch, with negotiations currently in progress, although specific details have not been disclosed. Crawford has not yet commented on or confirmed the rematch discussions.

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Shane Beamer’s seen enough of his South Carolina team’s three-win season to know where the Gamecocks will be this time next year: in the thick of the playoff hunt.

“We’re going to be sitting here (this time next November) watching the playoff rankings to see where we are in the ranking show,” Beamer told reporters this week. “And we’re going to be firmly in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth.”

And Howard Dean yelled, Yeah!

There’s no point in an SEC coach who’ll be entering his sixth season in 2026 asking for patience or trying to water down expectations, so go ahead and call your shot. It’s win or be fired, so Beamer might as well preach from the pulpit that he’s going to win, and maybe a few recruits or transfers will hear him and believe it.

Credit Beamer for making it this long. Assuming he lasts into 2026, he’ll join Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier as South Carolina’s only coaches to reach Year 6 since the Gamecocks started competing in the SEC in 1992. Sparky Woods, Brad Scott and Will Muschamp — all of them were fired in their fifth season.

It’s not that the Gamecocks cannot achieve success. It’s that they’ve been unable to sustain it. Holtz won 17 games in a two-year span before backtracking. Muschamp produced one 9-4 season, which Beamer matched last year.

Peaks and valleys, that’s South Carolina’s existence inside the SEC. Only Spurrier, the best coach in program history, prolonged the peak. The Head Ball Coach won 42 games during one four-year stretch that doesn’t get its proper due among the truly remarkable feats of the past quarter-century.

If Beamer goes belly-up, I’m skeptical that whomever South Carolina hires to replace him will outperform him. But this is a vibes business, and consecutive bad seasons would call for a vibes change.

Beamer didn’t help himself last week. He talked tough during an in-game interview while his Gamecocks surged to a lead on No. 3 Texas A&M. His first-half demeanor was that of a guy acting as if he’d just won on the oval at Darlington Speedway.

Never mind that two quarters remained. The Gamecocks came out in the second half playing like they thought they had the game won.

Who could blame them, if they took their cues from Beamer?

I don’t mean to mock Beamer — or maybe I do — because he came closer to beating the Aggies than anyone else. Coming close won’t be celebrated, though. Being on the losing end of Texas A&M’s biggest comeback in school history will be the narrative that lingers.

Beamer gets his guys up for big games — for a second consecutive season, they pushed Alabama to the brink but failed to shove the Tide off the cliff — and his teams are usually good for a signature moment every November. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if the Gamecocks beat Clemson during Thanksgiving week. Given the Tigers’ own flop this season, maybe that doesn’t count as a signature, but a rivalry win against Clemson is a rivalry win against Clemson.

“We’re not going to go through this thing again, and we’re going to go finish this season out the right way,” Beamer said.

He’s right. South Carolina’s not going through this again with Beamer. He’ll either turn it around in 2026, or the Gamecocks will be hiring his replacement this time next year.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

AI-assisted summary
• USC receiver Makai Lemon earned high praise from Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, who called him one of the most impactful players he has seen in over 20 years.
• Lemon leads all Power Four receivers with 1,090 receiving yards and has become deadly in yards after the catch.
• After succeeding against other top defenses, Lemon faces his next challenge against the nation’s top passing defense in Oregon.

Kirk Ferentz hadn’t observed many like him.

In 27 seasons as Iowa coach, Ferentz has face some of the Big Ten’s great skill players. Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Plaxico Buress, Braylon Edwards and the constant NFL stars coming out of Ohio State.

Yet out of the more than 330 games he’s been on the sideline for, Ferentz hadn’t seen anyone do what Southern California receiver Makai Lemon did.

“(Lemon) is as good as I’ve seen. Going back 20-plus years, I don’t know if anybody’s impacted the game more,” Ferentz said. “He’s a really outstanding player.” 

What did Lemon do to earn such praise? Just torch the Hawkeyes for 153 yards on 10 catches and a touchdown as the Trojans rallied for a 26-21 win in Week 12.

Consider Ferentz among the latest to learn the hard way about one of the most explosive receivers in college football. He may not be the biggest – standing at just 5-foot-11-inches – but as the saying goes, it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

And this dog isn’t afraid of much, ripping apart defenses as he leads USC at a chance to return back to prominence.

‘He’s a fearless player,” said coach Lincoln Riley. “He’s always had just that fearless quality to him, and that continues to show up to this day.”

Makai Lemon putting on some ‘man strength’

After consistently improving his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Lemon went into his junior year with the goal of getting stronger. Luckily, USC brought in longtime strength and conditioning coach Trumain Carroll to toughen up the Trojans. 

Emphasis was put on the offensive and defensive line, but Lemon put in the work in the weight room; he added five pounds, feeling muscular and more explosive.

“This is a man’s game, so you got to put on some man strength,” Lemon said in August.

The work has translated onto the field, as Lemon has become a deadly weapon in USC’s high powered offense. He has 1,090 receiving yards, the most among players on Power Four teams and third-most in all of the Bowl Subdivision. He’s had five games with at least 125 receiving yards and is a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s best receiver.

What makes Lemon so spectacular is he can do it in any way that’s asked. Out wide, in the slot or behind the quarterback, Lemon impacts every part of the field.

Despite not having a tall stature, he has the ability to reach up and snatch the ball above defenders. If he’s not making sensational catches, he’s maneuvering through defenses and finding open space for quarterback Jayden Maiava to thread the needle.

Riley has praised his ability as a route runner, noting Lemon has a deep understanding of how defenses scheme. 

But if there’s a part of his game that stands out, it’s the one Lemon takes the most pride in: yards after the catch. Of his 1,090 receiving yards, 467 have come after the catch, the most in the Big Ten.

“Anytime I try to catch, I’m just trying to take it to the end zone,” Lemon said.

Can Makai Lemon beat another top defense?

Ferentz was the latest coach to have a strong passing defense that couldn’t find an answer to stop Lemon’s impact. In the past three weeks, USC has gone against teams that rank No. 3 (Nebraska), No. 31 (Northwestern) and No. 6 (Iowa) in passing yards allowed.

The Cornhuskers were able to limit Lemon to a season-low 14 yards on two catches. In the past two games, Lemon has 21 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

The opponents don’t get any easier Saturday, Nov. 22 against Oregon, which has the best passing defense in the country, giving up just 127.3 yards in the air. Montana State’s Taco Dowler and Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt are the only receivers to get at least 100 yards against the Ducks secondary.

Even with the challenge Lemon and USC face, Oregon knows it will be equally as tough trying to stop one of the game’s best receivers.

‘He’s a tough matchup,’ said Oregon coach Dan Lanning. ‘The fact that they move him around certainly makes it a challenge. It’s hard. You’ve seen some teams try to match up to him and that can be difficult in certain calls, also could be an indicator at times.’

Lemon isn’t the most vocal person, nor does he really care about what people say about him.

That works just fine since his play has done plenty of talking. If he’s able to dissect another vaunted defense in Autzen Stadium, Lemon could lead the Trojans back into the national spotlight.

“It’s gonna be a fun one on Saturday,” Lemon said. “Another game to put on, show what we do on the field.”

The Washington Spirit are set to make their second consecutive NWSL championship appearance on Saturday. All eyes will be on Trinity Rodman’s availability for the title match and beyond.

Rodman is set to become a free agent after the 2025 NWSL season concludes with the title match between the No. 2 seed Spirit and No. 8 Gotham FC on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, FOX) at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Although NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said: ‘We want Trinity (Rodman) in our league and we will fight for her’ on Thursday, it remains to be seen if the NWSL can compete with the salaries offered by European leagues overseas.

Could the the NWSL championship be Rodman’s last in a Spirit jersey? Will Rodman be the next American soccer star to leave the NWSL for Europe, following the departures of Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma?

As questions swirl about Rodman’s future, the 23-year-old said she’s focusing on the present, recovering from a Grade 1 MCL sprain suffered on Oct. 15 amid an injury-riddled season.

“Right now, my head’s completely down. It’s been so distracting being injured and that’s all I can really think about,” Rodman said Nov. 15 following the Spirit’s 2-0 semifinal win over the Portland Thorns. “Once we get this championship, then I can start making decisions and figuring out what next year looks like for me.”

Rodman made her first appearance of the 2025 postseason during the Spirit’s semifinal win, subbing in at the 90th minute. She almost scored during the 95th minute, but her shot narrowly missed wide. Rodman had been listed as questionable for the quarterfinals and didn’t play in the Spirit’s win over Racing Louisville FC despite being listed as a reserve. 

‘It’s important to get those minutes to see (and) to feel that you are a player again on the field,’ Spirit coach Adrián González said on Nov. 15. ‘We didn’t want to take too much risk obviously in terms of minutes, but I think she’s been doing a great job trying to push recovery and being able now to have the opportunity to get some minutes.’

Rodman was the youngest player to be drafted into the NWSL when the Spirit selected her second overall in the 2021 NWSL college draft. Rodman not only led the Spirit to the club’s first NWSL title in 2021, she ended her first season with NWSL Rookie of the Year and first-team honors.

Rodman signed a contract extension in February 2022 with the Spirit through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. It was reported Rodman’s contract extension included $1.1 million guaranteed, making her the highest paid player in NWSL history at the time.

‘We do not believe the NWSL is a charity. We believe it is a business, and in order to treat it like a business, it means that the amount that our teams are investing has to have a rational relationship to revenue,’ Berman said. ‘When we go through that process of reviewing the overall ecosystem and the value proposition that we’re offering to top talent and to our players, and we’re looking at the amount being invested in training facilities, in stadiums, in compensation for players, we have to look at it in the context of where our business is at.’

Rodman reiterated on Thursday that she’s made ‘no decisions’ on her future yet.

‘Yeah, there could be conversations being had, but right now I am so excited to be representing the Spirit,’ Rodman added during championship media day on Thursday. ‘I’m not even thinking of when my last game will be. I just want to win it and then we’ll see.’

The Spirit will have to go through Gotham FC in the 2025 NWSL Championship. Gotham may have entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, but they’ve been on a Cinderella run and played their way into the title match. They have a chip on their shoulder after being labeled the underdogs of the playoffs.

‘I feel like everyone as individuals play so much better when they’re really confident and we have something to play for and something to prove,’ said Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw, who has scored two playoff goals and assisted on another in the postseason. ‘So I mean, if that’s where we’re getting it from, then shoot, we’re going to keep saying it. We’re going to keep doing what we need to do, because haters going to be wherever we are and that means we are doing something right.’

The Spirit are vying for their first title since 2021. Gotham is looking for its first championship since 2023.

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The three individuals with NBA ties are getting set to make court appearances over charges they were involved in illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by organized crime.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones were arrested in the early hours of Oct. 23, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York laid out their case in an indictment, in which nearly three dozen people were arrested for their roles in the betting and poker game scheme.

‘As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,’ United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said. ‘This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.’

Here is the latest in the NBA betting scandal that has rocked the league:

Chauncey Billups

Billups is set for a Nov. 24 court date in Brooklyn at federal court in the Eastern District of New York.

The feds say that Billups was a ‘face card’ in the scheme, helping to lure players in April 2019 to games held in Las Vegas, where a rigged shuffling machine was used to dupe victims of at least $50,000.

The 49-year-old Billups, a five-time All-Star who spent 17 seasons in the NBA and won a Finals MVP award with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.

In another part of the indictment tied to gambling, Billups is believed to be ‘Co-Conspirator 8,’ who authorities say gave confidential game information before it was publicly available, and is described as an ex-NBA player who played from 1997 to 2014, an NBA coach since 2021, and an Oregon resident. Billups meets all three of those characteristics.

Terry Rozier

Rozier is also on unpaid leave from the NBA, and federal authorities allege in court documents that the Miami Heat guard provided insider information, which gamblers used to make wagers involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors over the span of a year.

Rozier allegedly schemed to leave early during a March 23, 2023, game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a foot injury. Rozier played less than 10 minutes in the game and did not return, finishing with five points and two assists. The accusation is that Rozier told co-defendant Deniro Laster he would leave the game early, and that information was sold to others, who made the ‘under’ bets.

The next court appearance for Rozier is Dec. 8 at the Brooklyn federal courthouse.

Damon Jones

Jones allegedly shared and sold insider information on numerous occasions about undisclosed details of NBA games, such as lineup decisions and pre-released medical information, to his co-conspirators, who then placed significant wagers based on the tips. The medical information allegedly involved LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who were playing for the Lakers at the time. James and Davis have not being accused of any wrongdoing.

Jones is also accused of using his notoriety to get people to poker games rigged by organized crime figures in order to steal money from them, sometimes using technology, including poker chip trays with hidden cameras, and rigged shuffling machines with the ability to read the cards in the deck.

The Houston Texans pushed their record above .500 for the first time of the 2025 NFL season with a 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on ‘Thursday Night Football.’

Houston earned the victory thanks to a superb defensive effort. The unit generated relentless pressure on Josh Allen throughout Thursday’s game, with Will Anderson (2.5 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (2 sacks) seemingly rattling the reigning NFL MVP.

Overall, the Texans sacked Allen eight times. He lost a whopping 70 yards because of those plays, which worked to keep Buffalo behind the chains for most of the evening.

The win marked Houston’s third consecutive, all of which have been started by backup quarterback Davis Mills. The fifth-year veteran got off to a slow start against the Bills, completing just 1 of his first 7 passes, but threw a couple of touchdown passes in the second quarter to keep the Texans in the back-and-forth game.

Mills has now won all three of his starts in place of the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion), and has breathed life back into the Texans, who are just a half-game back in the AFC wild-card race after their latest victory.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates on score changes, highlights, and notable injuries throughout ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 12.

Bills-Texans TNF takeaways

• The Texans’ defense is the league’s best: The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles could also stake a claim to this title, but the Texans’ performance against Josh Allen should put them at No. 1. Houston pressured Allen relentlessly, sacking him eight times and limiting the Bills to just 12 offensive points. The Texans have the league’s No. 1 defense in terms of EPA per play, and they have proven they can shut down even the league’s best quarterbacks. They will be a tough out if they can manage to claw their way into the AFC playoffs amid their hot streak.
• Davis Mills is a strong backup quarterback in the NFL: The Texans had to rely on Mills to start three games with C.J. Stroud out of action due to a concussion. The fifth-year veteran led Houston to a 3-0 record across those games. Mills wasn’t always explosive – he completed 16 of 30 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills – but he largely avoided mistakes and was able to lead the Texans to an impressive, fourth-quarter comeback against the Jaguars in what was basically a must-win game. Houston has to be happy it has him behind Stroud.
• The Bills desperately need another receiver to step up: Buffalo was without Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and Keon Coleman (healthy scratch) against the Texans. That made Allen’s job harder, as he had to lean a lot on Khalil Shakir against a top-tier Houston pass defense. Shakir did very well, recording eight catches for 110 yards, but no other wide receiver recorded more than two catches. To emerge as a true Super Bowl contender, the Bills need another receiving option to play at a higher level. Coleman is probably the best bet to achieve that goal if he can get back into the good graces of the Buffalo coaching staff.
• Joe Brady very nearly willed the Bills to a win: Brady deserves a ton of credit for his play call on a fourth-and-27 on Buffalo’s final drive. It seemed like the Texans had the Bills dead to rights, but Brady dialed up a hook-and-ladder-type play with Josh Palmer and Khalil Shakir that confused Houston’s defense. Buffalo converted and nearly had a chance to win as a result of the brilliant call.

Josh Allen stats vs. Texans

• 23-of-34 (67.6% completion rate)
• 253 passing yards
• 0 passing touchdowns
• 2 interceptions
• 67.4 passer rating
• 5 rushing attempts
• 20 rushing yards
• 0 rushing touchdowns

James Cook stats vs. Texans

• 17 rushing attempts
• 116 rushing yards
• 1 rushing touchdown
• 3 receptions (3 targets)
• 13 receiving yards
• 0 receiving touchdowns

Davis Mills stats vs. Bills

• 16-of-30 (53.3% completion rate)
• 153 passing yards
• 2 passing touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 90.0 passer rating
• 2 rushing attempts
• 4 rushing yards
• 0 rushing touchdowns

Nico Collins stats vs. Bills

• 3 receptions (3 targets)
• 55 receiving yards
• 0 receiving touchdowns

Texans vs. Bills highlights

Bills-Texans final score: Texans 23, Bills 19

Josh Allen throws game-ending interception on fourth down

The Bills came up short in their bid for a game-winning drive. Allen was pressured on fourth-and-6 and was forced to heave up a desperation pass downfield. His throw came up short, and Caleb Bullock made his second interception of the night.

Davis Mills will just need to take a knee to give the Texans a much-needed 23-19 win.

Buffalo converts fourth-and-27 with trick play

Joe Brady and the Bills dialed up a perfect play call on fourth-and-27. Josh Allen completed a pass to Josh Palmer, and the veteran flipped the ball back to Khalil Shakir while both were coming across the field.

The Texans defense didn’t have leverage, as many defenders were guarding the deep ball down the field, and that allowed Shakir to easily get a first down.

Texans run four plays before being forced to punt

Houston got off to a good start after a 16-yard pass from Davis Mills to Jayden Higgins, but they couldn’t get another first down. Buffalo’s defense rallied to tackle on a couple of Mills checkdowns, so the Bills will get the ball back with 2:48 left in regulation.

Buffalo still has all three of its timeouts remaining but is trailing 23-19 and needs a touchdown to overtake the Texans.

Texans vs. Bills score: Bills settle for 38-yard field goal after Texans get more pressure on Josh Allen

After Khalil Shakir’s big play, Allen was immediately sacked, putting Buffalo in a tough spot against an aggressive Houston defense. The Texans once again pressured Allen on third-and-10 and forced him into a throwaway.

The Bills then opted to kick a field goal, which Matt Prater made from 38 yards away. That cut Buffalo’s deficit to 23-19 with 5:44 left in regulation. The Bills have all three of their timeouts remaining, giving them plenty of time to stop the Texans and try to mount a game-winning touchdown drive.

Josh Allen hits Khalil Shakir for 44-yard gain on third-and-12

The Texans put Allen and the Bills in a tough spot after a second-down sack. However, a well-designed play where Shakir performed a modified orbit motion coming in and out of the backfield got the team’s top receiver in space on third-and-long.

Shakir managed to make a man miss before running down the sideline for a 44-yard gain, putting the Bills on the edge of the red zone.

Bills force three-and-out after pressuring Davis Mills on third down

The Texans found themselves behind the sticks after a 1-yard run by Woody Marks and a drop by Cade Stover. The Bills then proceeded to get pressure on Mills, who barely got the ball back to the line of scrimmage as he threw it away.

Tommy Townsend hit a 47-yard punt, but it was more of a line-drive kick. That allowed Khalil Shakir to find space for an 11-yard return, giving the Bills the ball back at their own 38-yard line, trailing 23-16 with 9:09 left in regulation.

Texans stuff James Cook for loss on fourth-and-1

The Bills were facing a fourth-and-1 just outside the red-zone and opted to go for it, trailing by a touchdown with about 10 minutes left in regulation. 

Rather than sneak it with Josh Allen as the team did earlier in the game, Buffalo opted to hand the ball to James Cook. The Texans were ready for it and tore him to the ground for a loss after getting quick penetration into the backfield.

Houston now has the ball, leading 23-16 with 10:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Texans leading Bills 23-16 after three quarters

Houston’s defense has given Buffalo’s offense fits outside of the team’s first drive of the game. Since James Cook’s 45-yard touchdown, the Bills have been unable to consistently put together drives, scoring just six offensive points as Josh Allen has been under constant pressure.

The Texans have racked up four sacks against Allen and have forced the star quarterback to lose a whopping 41 yards on those hits. The reigning MVP has still been efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 122 yards but has also tossed an interception and has only gained six rushing yards on four carries.

Allen was sacked on the final play of the third quarter, setting up a second-and-long to open the fourth quarter. He will need to get into rhythm quickly to give the Bills a chance to pull off a comeback.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes third field goal to give Texans 23-16 lead

The Texans offense continues to be plagued by penalties, but they managed to turn the Bills’ turnover into points. Fairbairn came on to attempt a 26-yard field goal after Davis Mills and Co. couldn’t get into the end zone, and the veteran was able to max the chip shot with ease.

The Texans are now leading 23-16 and figure to take that lead into the fourth quarter, as 17 seconds remain in the third.

NFL referee carted off after non-contact injury

Adrian Hill, the head referee for tonight’s game, suffered an injury in the third quarter of the contest and will not continue.

The injury occurred on a Bills punt midway through the third quarter. Hill was standing behind the play in the end-zone and pulled up and reached for his left leg after trying to run.

Hill’s injury was non-contact, and he was helped off the field by medical staff on hand for the game. He was unable to put much weight on his left leg, though he was seen standing on the sideline after getting off the field. He was eventually carted off.

Khalil Shakir loses fumble after third-down catch

The Bills were positioned to gain a first down after Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir on a third-down pass. However, Houston punched the ball out of Shakir’s hands, forcing a fumble and recovering it.

The Texans will take over with the ball already well within field goal range.

Texans and Bills continue to trade punts

Neither Houston nor Buffalo has been able to build offensive momentum in the third quarter. The Texans got into a fourth-and-short situation just outside of field goal range. Originally, it looked like they might fake a punt, but a false start penalty made them actually kick it deep.

The Bills are once again pinned deep and will look to get at least one first down as they try to flip the field back in their favor.

Texans offense derailed by penalties, punt back to Bills

The Texans were whistled for a penalty on their first offensive play of the second half. That was one of three they were flagged for after getting the ball, and the penalties ultimately prevented them from gaining a first down.

Tommy Townsend hit a nice, 56-yard punt, and a negative-7-yard return by Khalil Shakir, coupled with a holding penalty on Buffalo, backed the Bills up to their own 9-yard line.

Terrell Bernard injury update

Bernard, one of the Bills’ starting linebackers and a team captain, suffered an apparent arm injury while making a tackle on Buffalo’s first defensive drive of the half. He remained down and was tended to by medical staff before walking into the locker room with assistance and favoring his right arm.

The Bills did not immediately provide an update on Bernard’s status

Josh Allen sacked for 18-yard loss as Texans force Bills punt

Allen and the Bills were facing a third-and-6 on their opening drive of the second half when the reigning NFL MVP tried to make a big play. He scrambled away from a Will Anderson sack and tried to get to the left side of the field before doubling back.

Ultimately, Allen wasn’t able to find an open receiver while running around, and Anderson brought him down. That forced Mitch Wishnowsky to come on to punt after the 18-yard loss. 

Wishnowsky uncorked a 44-yarder and the Texans will get the ball at their own 31-yard line to open the second half after a fair catch.

Texans leading Bills 20-16 at halftime

The Texans started the game slowly on offense, but Davis Mills and Co. sprang to life in the second quarter. The veteran signal caller threw for two touchdowns and has now completed 11 of 21 passes for 122 yards after starting the game just 1 of 7 passing for 10 yards.

The Bills haven’t been as efficient as the Texans, as Buffalo has been outgained 201-155 over the first 30 minutes. They have had a couple of big plays, including a 97-yard Ray Davis kick return touchdown and a 45-yard James Cook touchdown scamper, but the Texans’ defense has done a decent job of keeping Josh Allen (11 of 15 passing, 88 yards, one interception) in check.

Buffalo will get the ball to open the second half, giving the Bills a quick chance to pull back in front of the Texans.

Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Jayden Higgins for TD with 5 seconds left in half

The Texans managed to answer the Bills with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Mills found Higgins open for an 8-yard touchdown after the rookie receiver was able to run through a hold by defensive back Cam Lewis.

Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point, and the Texans will likely take a 20-16 lead into halftime.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ray Davis notches 97-yard kick return touchdown to give Bills lead back

The Bills didn’t even have to go back on offense to retake the lead. Davis was able to take the ensuing kick return to the house after bouncing off his own man and finding a lane in the Texans’ coverage unit.

Matt Prater was able to make the extra point and the Bills are back in front, leading 16-13. The Texans will have 1:43 remaining in the first half (and all three of their timeouts) to cut into the deficit.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbarn makes 43-yard field goal to give Texans 13-9 lead

The Texans turned their interception of Allen into points. They couldn’t get a first down after a penalty wiped out their defensive touchdown, but Fairbairn split the uprights down the middle on his mid-range attempt.

The Texans are now leading 13-9 and the Bills will have 1:56 and two timeouts left to score before halftime.

Calen Bullock intercepts Josh Allen on first play of Bills drive

On their first defensive snap after taking their first lead, the Texans forced Allen into an interception. Azeez Al-Shaair was able to tip a pass and Bullock, a safety, was able to grab it and initially returned it for a touchdown.

However, an illegal blindside block against the Texans wiped out the score. Still, the team will get the ball immediately in field goal range, leading 10-9 with time winding down in the first half.

Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Christian Kirk for 2-yard touchdown to give Texans first lead

The Texans capped off a 12-play, 77-yard drive with a short pass from Mills to Kirk, as play action allowed the veteran receiver to get open in the end zone. Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point to give Houston its first lead of the day at 10-9.

Houston’s scoring drive was once again set up by some strong runs from Woody Marks and Nick Chubb, who have now combined for 62 yards on 11 carries in the opening frame. Five total players have carried the ball for the Texans (Davis Mills, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson all have one carry).

Texans convert fourth-and-1 with strong run from Woody Marks

Both teams have now converted a fourth-and-short early in Thursday’s game. The Texans were able to do so with Marks, who ran through slot cornerback Taron Johnson in the backfield and across the line to gain to give Houston a fresh set of downs.

Texans vs. Bills score: Matt Prater makes 44-yard field goal to extend Bills’ lead

Prater missed an extra point earlier in the game, but he was able to make a 44-yard field goal after the Bills stalled out on their third drive.

Buffalo did well to convert a fourth-and-2 on a pass from Josh Allen to Ty Johnson to get the team into field goal range. However, Will Anderson and Houston’s defensive line finally got some pressure on Allen, forcing him into a costly sack that set up the field goal.

The Bills are now leading 9-3 with 9:35 left in the second quarter.

Bills leading 6-3 after first quarter of ‘Thursday Night Football’

The Bills have moved the ball well on the Texans’ top-ranked defense, outgaining Houston 116-64 over the first 15 minutes and being bolstered by a 45-yard James Cook touchdown run.

The Texans have been able to run the ball with Woody Marks (six carries, 38 yards) and Nick Chubb (three carries, 16 yards) but they have struggled through the air. Davis Mills has completed just 1 of 8 passes for 10 yards to open the game.

Josh Allen injury update: Bills QB returns to field after suffering apparent injury

Allen appeared to get hurt at the end of Buffalo’s second drive. However, he is injury wasn’t serious, as he was able to return to the field for the first snap of the team’s third drive.

Amazon’s sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung reported Allen had the Bills’ training staff work on his left elbow for what looked like the equivalent of turf burn.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes 24-yard field goal to cut into Buffalo lead

The Texans’ second drive was much better than their first, as Woody Marks and Nick Chubb were able to run the ball well against the Bills’ porous run defense. However, the Texans couldn’t convert their 54-yard drive into a touchdown, as Christian Kirk couldn’t haul in a well-thrown pass from Davis Mills on third-and-goal.

Houston trotted Fairbairn onto the field to attempt the 24-yard chip shot as a result. The veteran kicker made the kick with ease, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 6-3 with 4:32 left in the first quarter.

Texans vs. Bills score: James Cook rips off 45-yard touchdown run

The Bills were facing a third-and-inches from the Texans’ 45-yard line when fullback Reggie Gilliam sprung Cook with a great block on linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir. Cook was able to hit the hole and build up to speed quickly, outrunning Houston’s defense to get the Bills on the board with an early touchdown.

Matt Prater’s extra point, however, was no good, so the Bills’ early lead will be 6-0.

Josh Allen leaps for first down on fourth-and-1 carry

The Bills decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 on their opening drive from deep in their own territory. Josh Allen, who is listed at 6-5, 237 pounds, was able to leap over the defense with ease, and a shove from fullback Reggie Gilliam allowed the Bills to easily keep their drive alive.

Texans open game with three-and-out

Davis Mills got off to a slow start on his first drive, though it wasn’t entirely his fault. His first pass was dropped by tight end Cade Stover while he was pressured heavily by Joey Bosa before overthrowing Jayden Higgins down the field.

Tommy Townsend’s punt traveled 43 yards but a 10-yard holding penalty on the Bills will cause Buffalo to start the game from its own 19-yard line.

What channel is Texans vs Bills on Monday Night Football?

• TV channel (national): N/A
• TV channel (Buffalo market): ABC 7 WKBW
• TV channel (Houston market): FOX 26 KRIV

The Texans vs. Bills matchup will not air on TV, as it will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers in the Buffalo market can watch via ABC, while those in the Houston TV market can catch it on Fox.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

What time is Texans vs Bills on Thursday Night Football tonight?

• Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT

The Texans and Bills are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. Buffalo travels to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas to take on Houston.

Texans vs. Bills live stream

• Stream: Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)

Amazon Prime Video will air the Jets-Patriots ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can use Fubo to watch the matchup.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

Texans vs Bills prediction

The Texans still don’t have their starting quarterback, with Stroud still in concussion protocol. The Bills’ starting quarterback is coming off one of the most impressive games of his career with six total touchdowns. Houston backup Davis Mills may be 2-0, but this Buffalo team is a step above the inconsistent Jacksonville Jaguars and several steps above the 1-9 Tennessee Titans. The Bills’ offense will have its work cut out for them against a Texans defense that ranks among the best in the league, but Buffalo is ultimately the better team with Stroud still missing from Houston’s offense.

Prediction: Bills 17, Texans 14

Texans vs Bills live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

Texans inactives vs. Bills

Bills inactives vs. Texans

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Bills schedule 2025

Texans schedule 2025

Bills at Texans injury report

AFC East standings 

The Bills enter ‘Thursday Night Football’ in second place in the AFC East. Here’s how the division stacks up: 

1. New England Patriots (9-2) 
2. Buffalo Bills (7-3) 
3. Miami Dolphins (4-7) 
4. New York Jets (2-8) 

AFC South standings 

The Texans enter Week 12 in third place in the AFC South standings. 

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-2) 
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) 
3. Houston Texans (5-5) 
4. Tennessee Titans (1-9) 

AFC playoff picture 

1. Denver Broncos (9-2; AFC West leaders) 
2. New England Patriots (9-2; AFC East leaders) 
3. Indianapolis Colts (8-2; AFC South leaders) 
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4; AFC North leaders) 
5. Buffalo Bills (7-3; wild card No. 1) 
6. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4; wild card No. 2) 
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4; wild card No. 3) 

In the hunt: Houston Texans (5-5), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), Baltimore Ravens (5-5), Miami Dolphins (4-7), Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) 

NFC playoff picture 

1. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2; NFC East leaders) 
2. Los Angeles Rams (8-2; NFC West leaders) 
3. Chicago Bears (7-3; NFC North leaders) 
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4; NFC South leaders) 
5. Seattle Seahawks (7-3; wild card No. 1) 
6. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1; wild card No. 2) 
7. San Francisco 49ers (7-4; wild card No. 3) 

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (6-4), Carolina Panthers (6-5), Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1), Minnesota Vikings (4-6), Arizona Cardinals (3-7), Atlanta Falcons (3-7) 

NFL MVP odds

Here’s how the top five look entering Week 12:

• 5. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
• 4. RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (+750)
• 3. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+450)
• 2. QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (+175)
• 1. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+135)

Who is the Texans backup quarterback?

With C.J. Stroud missing his third consecutive game because of a concussion, the Texans will be turning to Davis Mills as their starter. That will leave rookie Graham Mertz to serve as the team’s backup quarterback behind Mills.

Mertz was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and spent his six-year college career at Wisconsin and Florida. His best season came in 2023 with the Gators, when he completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Mertz played in just five games as a super-senior, completing 76.6% of his passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.

Who is Josh Allen married to?

Josh Allen is married to actress Hailee Steinfeld. The two were wed during the 2025 NFL offseason in California.

Steinfeld is best known for her roles in True Grit, The Edge of Seventeen, the Pitch Perfect movies and, most recently, Sinners.

Houston Texans uniforms tonight

The Texans are wearing their ‘Battle Red’ alternate uniforms for their ‘Thursday Night Football’ game against the Buffalo Bills.

The uniforms include an all-red ensemble, from the helmet to the cleats, but still include the team’s classic ‘bullhead’ logo as part of its design.

The Los Angeles Lakers are shaking up their scouting department, and the biggest moves involve jettisoning two members of the Buss family who still serve as part-owners of the team.

The Lakers suddenly fired longtime team executives Joey and Jesse Buss from front-office positions they had held within the organization for more than a decade on Thursday, Nov. 20, according to multiple reports.

Joey Buss, 41, was the Lakers’ alternate governor and vice president of research and development, and previously worked as president and CEO of the G League’s South Bay Lakers. Jesse Buss, 37, was the Lakers’ assistant general manager and director of scouting, with his work helping guide the team’s NBA draft decisions.

They are the younger sons of late former Lakers owner Jerry Buss and the younger brothers of Jeannie Buss. She still serves as the franchise’s primary governor at NBA meetings after majority ownership of the Lakers was sold to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation.

The sale was formally approved by NBA owners last month. Joey and Jesse Buss will continue to serve as minority owners of the team, according to ESPN, despite Thursday’s decision to move on from them in a reorganization of the team’s basketball operations.

Buss brothers’ new venture

After the Buss family agreed to sell back in June, Joey and Jesse Buss announced a new investment firm called Buss Sports Capital in late September.

The business will be tasked with identifying acquisitions and partnerships across the global sports landscape.

‘Our vision is to really go after strategic investments and good partners – specifically sports-related investments,’ Joey Buss told ESPN back in September. ‘Buss Sports Capital is not going to compete with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step towards where the future of sports is going to lead us. It is exciting to see what growth opportunities exist – particularly opportunities that we can add value to, given our skill sets.’

Lakers find success on court

Despite all the off-court business surrounding the Lakers, the team has managed to produce positive results this season.

The Lakers are 11-4 while overcoming several changes to the lineup due to injury. LeBron James just made his season debut on Tuesday after being out due to sciatica.

The team is fairly healthy now and won’t play again until traveling to play the Utah Jazz on Nov. 23.

Jeanie Buss’ history with brothers

In 2017, Jeanie Buss prevented a legal attempt her older brothers, Johnny and Jim, had made to try and remove her from her seat on the team’s board of directors and controlling ownership of the team.

Jeanie Buss had temporarily filed a restraining order and a lawsuit to force the older brothers to comply with the terms of the family’s trust after viewing their actions as hostile, according to ESPN.