Sep 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) runs the ball around Houston Texans defense during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Photo Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON — Bolstered by a ferocious defense, a resolute effort from the offensive line, and a strong debut by rookie running back Leonard Fournette, quarterback Blake Bortles effectively managed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 29-7 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Bortles, on shaky ground as the incumbent under center, passed for 125 yards and a touchdown while avoiding the critical mistakes that have undermined his development.
Fournette, meanwhile, rushed for 100 yards including a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and displayed the bruising running style that made him a coveted prospect out of LSU.
Houston quarterback Tom Savage was sacked six times and completed 7 of 13 attempts for 62 yards. He was replaced at halftime by rookie Deshaun Watson, who finished 12 for 23 for 102 yards with an interception.
Raiders 26, Titans 16
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Derek Carr threw for two touchdown passes and Giorgio Tavecchio kicked four field goals in his NFL debut as Oakland beat Tennesse.
In his first game since breaking his leg on Christmas Eve against Indianapolis, Carr was an efficient 22 of 32 for 262 yards. Tavecchio converted a pair of 52-yard field goals after hitting a 20-yarder on the second quarter’s first play.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, playing his first game since suffering his own broken leg on Christmas Eve, hit on 25 of 41 passes for 256 yards. Mariota also rushed for their only touchdown, a 10-yard option keeper with 6:58 left in the first quarter.
Steelers 21, Browns 18
CLEVELAND — Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes to tight end Jesse James as Pittsburgh edged Cleveland.
Roethlisberger completed 24 of 36 passes for 263 yards. Antonio Brown caught 11 passes for 182 yards while James finished with six catches for 41 yards.
Cleveland rookie DeShone Kizer was 20 of 30 for 222 yards and a touchdown.
Eagles 30, Redskins 17
LANDOVER, Md. — Carson Wentz passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns as Philadelphia defeated the Washington.
Zach Ertz caught eight passes for 93 yards and Nelson Agholor snagged six for 86 and a touchdown as the Eagles snapped a five-game losing streak to the Redskins.
Washington’s Kirk Cousins finished 23 of 40 for 240 yards with one touchdown pass, one interception and two lost fumbles.
Lions 35, Cardinals 23
DETROIT — Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, two to rookie receiver Kenny Golladay and Detroit snapped a seven-game losing streak to Arizona.
Stafford completed 29 of 41 passes for 292 yards. Lions wideout Golden Tate caught 10 passes for 107 yards and safety Miles Killebrew scored on a 35-yard interception return.
Cardinals star running back David Johnson left the game late in the third quarter with a wrist injury. He was held to 23 yards rushing on 11 carries and caught six passes for 68 yards.
Carson Palmer completed 27 of 48 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown but was picked off three times
Falcons 23, Bears 17
CHICAGO — Matt Ryan completed 21 of 30 passes for 321 yards and a touchdown as Atlanta held off Chicago.
An 88-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to tight end Austin Hooper helped the Falcons grab a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter. Running back Devonta Freeman also scored for Atlanta
Quarterback Mike Glennon completed 26 of 40 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown in his Bears debut. Rookie running back Tarik Cohen racked up 113 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown for Chicago.
Bills 21, Jets 12
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Tyrod Taylor passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns as the Buffalo totaled 408 yards of offense in a win over New York.
LeSean McCoy led the Bills with 159 total yards (110 rushing, 49 receiving). McCoy left the game briefly in the fourth quarter with a wrist injury, but was able to return.
Josh McCown was 26 of 39 passing for 187 yards and two interceptions for New York.
