The vibe at MetLife Stadium was getting toxic. Honestly, it felt like the entire New York Jets experiment was about to implode on national television. But then, the second half happened. If you’re searching for Thursday night football who won the game, the answer is the New York Jets, who clawed back to beat the Houston Texans 21-13.
It wasn't pretty early on.
In fact, it was kind of a disaster. Malachi Corley had a "DeSean Jackson moment" where he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, turning a certain touchdown into a touchback. You could almost hear the collective groan from New York fans through the TV screen. But Garrett Wilson decided he wasn't going to let the season die. He caught two of the most absurd touchdowns you’ll see all year—one of them a one-handed, shin-down grab that looked like the Jumpman logo come to life.
How the Jets Flipped the Script Against Houston
Everyone expected C.J. Stroud to carve up a struggling Jets secondary. It didn't happen. The Jets' pass rush finally looked like the elite unit we saw in flashes last year, racking up eight sacks. Eight. Stroud was running for his life most of the night.
Aaron Rodgers looked old in the first half. There’s no other way to put it. He was missing throws, looked immobile, and the chemistry with Davante Adams seemed... off. But the second half was a vintage clinic. He went 15-of-20 for 174 yards and three scores after the break. It was enough to remind everyone why the Jets went all-in on a 40-year-old quarterback.
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Houston's offense is clearly hurting without Stefon Diggs. Tank Dell had some moments, but with Nico Collins also sidelined, Stroud just didn't have anywhere to go with the ball when the pocket collapsed. Joe Mixon ran hard, but a ground game can only do so much when your quarterback is hitting the turf every third play.
The Turning Point Nobody Saw Coming
The Corley blunder could have been a season-ender. Usually, when a team does something that statistically improbable and embarrassing, they fold. Instead, the defense stepped up.
Will McDonald IV and Quinnen Williams were absolute wrecking balls. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Texans' offensive line looked completely gassed. This is a huge data point for anyone tracking thursday night football who won the game because it suggests the Jets aren't dead in the AFC playoff race just yet. They moved to 3-6, which isn't great, but in a mediocre AFC, it’s a heartbeat.
Breaking Down the Garrett Wilson Catch
We have to talk about that catch. You know the one.
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Third-and-19. Rodgers lofts a ball into the back of the end zone. Wilson leaps, snags it with one hand, and somehow gets a knee/shin down before his momentum carries him out. The referees originally called it incomplete. Then came the replay.
It was art.
It changed the entire energy of the stadium. From that moment on, the Texans looked like they knew they were going to lose. It's rare to see a single play shift the body language of two entire rosters, but that was it. Davante Adams eventually got his first touchdown as a Jet later in the game to seal it, but Wilson was the engine.
Why the Texans Struggled
Houston is a good team, but they are a banged-up team. They missed an easy field goal early on that would have changed the lead-protection dynamics.
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- Protection issues: Stroud was pressured on over 40% of his dropbacks.
- Lack of explosive plays: Without Diggs, the vertical threat just wasn't there.
- Penalties: They kept shooting themselves in the foot at the worst possible times.
What This Means for Your Picks and Rankings
If you're looking at the betting implications or fantasy fallout of thursday night football who won the game, there are a few takeaways.
First, the Jets defense is back to being a "must-start" in favorable matchups. They are playing with a chip on their shoulder again. Second, Joe Mixon remains the only consistent piece of that Texans offense while the receiving corps is decimated.
The Jets have a long road ahead. They basically have to go 6-2 or 7-1 the rest of the way to even sniff a Wild Card spot. But for one night, the "Same Old Jets" narrative took a back seat to actual, winning football.
Actionable Next Steps for Football Fans
- Watch the Waiver Wire: If Garrett Wilson’s performance opened up more space for Davante Adams, look for Adams' production to spike in the coming weeks as he gets more comfortable in the scheme.
- Monitor Nico Collins: The Texans desperately need him back. Check the Friday injury reports for his practice status heading into next week; Houston's offense is stagnant without a true WR1.
- Evaluate the Jets Pass Rush: If you play in IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues, Will McDonald IV is becoming a mandatory roster addition.
- Check the Standings: Keep an eye on the AFC bubble. The Jets winning this game keeps them mathematically relevant, meaning they won't be "resting" players anytime soon.
The Jets proved they can win when their backs are against the wall. Now the question is whether they can do it twice in a row.