Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Packers defeat Texans, 24-22, on Brandon McManus game-winning field goal; score, highlights, top plays: Recap

By Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,

14 hours ago

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Houston Texans , 24-22, on a game-winning field goal by Brandon McManus as time expired.

It was the seventh and final lead change in a back-and-forth affair.

The Packers overcame three first-half turnovers, including two interceptions by Jordan Love.

But after the Texans took the lead with just under 2 minutes on their own field goal, Love got the Packers in field goal range and then McManus drilled the 45-yard kick. It was McManus' first field goal as a Packer. He signed with the team this week.

Check in with reporter Tom Silverstein during the game for his popular live chat where he'll take your questions and comments.

Review all the game highlights below from our live coverage:

Packers vs Texans box score

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	TOTAL
GB	0	14	7	3	24
HOU	3	16	0	3	22

Brandon McManus' 45-yard field goal gives Packers 24-22 win over Texans

In his first kick in 287 days, Brandon McManus made a 45-yard field goal to give the Packers the 24-22 victory over the Texans.

The Packers had just signed McManus earlier this week to replace the struggling Brayden Narveson.

What a moment for McManus!

McManus then ran into the stands for his first Lambeau Leap.

Final: Packers 24, Texans 22

Texans take lead, 22-21, after Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal

The Texans are back in the lead after Ka'imi Fairbairn's 35-yard field goal to cap a long drive that ate up over 6 minutes. Fairbairn is now 11 of 12 on go-ahead field goals in his career.

Can Jordan Love now lead a comeback drive? The Packers have one timeout left.

Drive: 13 plays, 45 yards, 6:27

Score: Texans 22, Packers 21 (with 1:44 left in the game)

Texans threatening to score, 2-minute warning

The Packers defense can't get off the field.

And the Texans are on the doorstep of taking the lead at the 2-minute warning.

After four consecutive punts to open the half, the Texans offense has come to life and has marched all the way to the Green Bay 12-yard line.

C.J. Stroud found Xavier Hutchinson for a critical first down on the right sideline on 3rd and 10. The Packers have three timeouts and will have to use them.

On another third down earlier, the Packers jumped offsides, allowing the Texans for a short distance pickup.

Packers offense goes backward, punt back to Texans with 21-19 lead

The Packers offense started the drive at their own 20-yard line but it kept going backward.

First, there was an illegal block called on Romeo Doubs. Then on 2nd and 19, Love was sacked for an 8-yard loss that nearly ended in disaster as he danced close to the goal line.

The Packers got 11 yards back on 3rd and 27 but the damage was done. That's two straight horrible drives (7 plays, -8 yards). And going further back, since the Packers took a 21-19, they've gone three and out on three straight drives for a combined total of 1 yard.

The Texans offense returns to the field with 8:11 left at their 38-yard line.

Packers defense holds, C.J. Stroud upset no flag was called

The Texans get one first down. But nothing else and the Packers defense holds again.

On 3rd and 11 from their own 42-yard line, C.J. Stroud scrambled with everyone defended down field. Stroud was upset he didn't get a late-hit penalty.

Packers safety Xavier McKinney shoved Stroud the Texans quarterback was running to the sideline. That led to some more jawing between all the parties. Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has been involved in it.

Jordan Love sacked on third down, Packers clinging to 21-19 lead early in fourth quarter

The Packers ended the Texans' last two drives with sacks.

And now the Texans did the same on the Packers.

The Packers faced a 3rd and 3 at the start of the fourth quarter from the 22-yard line. But the Texans got to Jordan Love as the pocket collapsed. The Packers lost 2 yards on the unproductive drive.

The Packers continue to cling to a 21-19 lead with 14:21 left in the game.

Eric Wilson gets another big sack on third down as Texans were driving

Eric Wilson came to play today.

The Texans had a strong drive going and were into Packers territory after C.J. Stroud connected with Stefon Diggs for 17 yards.

But facing a 3rd and 8 at the Packers 44-yard line, Wilson broke through for his second sack of the game and second straight to end a Texans drive.

Such an important stop for the Packers with 1:13 left in the third quarter.

Can the Packers gain some separation in what has been a back-and-forth affair?

Jayden Reed slow to get up, Daniel Whelan launches huge punt

Josh Jacobs gave the Packers some breathing room with a 7-yard run on first down. After a short gain on second down on a pass, Jordan Love pitched it to Jayden Reed in the backfield who couldn't get around the edge and was tripped up for no gain.

Reed was slow to get up. It's been a tough couple of minutes for Reed.

A positive was a booming 59-yard punt by Daniel Whelan. The Texans offense is back on the field with 4:35 left in the third quarter at their 25-yard line.

Jayden Reed makes special teams blunder on punt return

The Packers defense forced another three and out but the offense will start their next drive deep in their own territory after another special teams blunder.

Jayden Reed caught it around the goal line and then decided to run it out.

He was quickly tripped up after just getting out of the end zone. The Packers will start the drive at the 4-yard line. This could have changed the field position.

Packers back on top, 21-19, after Josh Jacobs touchdown catch

That was the Josh Jacobs drive.

Jacobs, who had just six carries for 28 yards in the first half, got the ball often and capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown catch.

He nearly had his first half total on one run earlier in the drive when he busted through for a 27-yard scamper to get to the Texans 18-yard line.

Jacobs has been in the league for six years but this is his first receiving touchdown.

Romeo Doubs also had two nice catches for 11 and 12 yards, respectively. Doubs has a team-high four catches for 57 yards.

The Packers are back on top. It's the fifth lead change in the game. I'm expecting more.

Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:22

Score: Packers 21, Texans 19 (with 7:25 left in the third quarter)

Packers linebacker Eric Wilson gets sack to force Texans punt to start second half

The Packers defense gets a stop on the Texans' first drive of the second half. Eric Wilson had a sack on third down for the team's third sack of the game.

Packers vs Texans halftime stats

1 ^st downs: Packers 10, Texans 8

3 ^rd down : Packers 3 of 6, Texans 2 of 6

Total yards: Packers 156, Texans 121

Penalties: Packers 5 for 36, Texans 3 for 45

Turnovers: Packers 3, Texans 0

Time of possession: Packers 15:30, Texans 14:30

Jordan Love stats

Jordan Love is 12 of 17 for 131 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for a 92.6 rating.

C.J. Stroud stats (halftime)

C.J. Stroud is 5 of 11 for 44 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions for a 56.6 rating.

Texans leading Packers, 19-14 at halftime

The Texans lead the Packers at halftime, 19-14.

The Packers are hurting themselves with three first-half turnovers. The Texans have 12 points off the Green Bay turnovers. The Packers rush defense is struggling against Texans running back Joe Mixon, who has 81 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.

Joe Mixon scores touchdown, Texans lead Packers 19-14

The Texans made the Packers pay again for the turnover.

After Jordan Love threw his second interception of the game, the Texans answered with a touchdown to regain the lead. Joe Mixon, who the Packers haven't been able to stop in the first half, powered his way for a 4-yard score.

The Packers wrapped up Mixon, however, on the two-point conversion attempt. The Texans got two chances at 2 points after Green Bay was called for a holding penalty in the end zone on the first attempt.

Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 3:05

Score: Texans 19, Packers 14 (with 1:13 left in the second quarter)

Quay Walker injury update

Packers linebacker Quay Walker is out for the game with a concussion.

Jordan Love throws another interception

Jordan Love just threw his second interception of the first half. It came on the first play of the drive.

Love, throwing off his back foot, was looking for Christian Watson deep but he overthrew his target and Callen Bullock stepped up behind him for the pick.

That's three turnovers for the Packers. The Texans have scored after each one.

The Texans have the ball again at their 45-yard line. The Packers are giving the Texans so many more opportunities with all of their mistakes.

Ka'imi Fairbairn makes 52-yard field goal for Texans, trail Packers 14-13

Special teams hasn't been special for the Packers today.

The Texans take the kickoff after the Packers touchdown for 42 yards and begin the drive at their 43-yard line.

Houston takes advantage of the good field position and put points on the board with a 52-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn.

Drive: 9 plays, 23 yards, 4:21

Score: Packers 14, Texans 13 (with 4:30 left in the second quarter)

Packers back on top, 14-10 after Jordan Love's touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks

The Packers offense responded and are back on top.

Jordan Love lofted a perfect ball to Dontayvion Wicks for a 30-yard touchdown.

The Packers were in striking distance after a Texans defensive pass interference gave the Packers 30 yards. The Packers went from their own 40-yard line to the Texans' 30. Two players later, Love connected with Wicks.

Since an interception on the first drive, Love is 11 of 13 for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:01

Score: Packers 14, Texans 10

Joe Mixon runs for touchdown, Texans lead Packers, 10-7

Turnovers are costing the Packers.

Two turnovers by the Packers, 10 points off them for the Texans.

Two plays after the Packers couldn't recover the punt on a special teams disaster, Texans running back Joe Mixon scored from 2 yards out. He had a 9-yard run on the first play.

The Packers would have had the ball up 7-3 after an uplifting TD drive but now quickly trail again after the special teams mistake.

Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 37 seconds

Score: Texans 10, Packers 7 (with 11:52 left in the second quarter)

Texans recover Packers miscue on punt

Oh, no.

The Packers forced a three and out but then on the punt while Corey Ballentine was blocking, the ball hit him in his leg. That led to a mad scramble as the ball was bouncing around.

And the Texans recovered. I'm not sure why punt returner Keisean Nixon didn't step up first and call for a fair catch. That's two first-half turnovers for the Packers.

That just can't happen.

Tucker Kraft catches touchdown pass, Packers lead Texans 7-3

Tucker Kraft is sure blossoming into a star.

Jordan Love found a diving Kraft in the end zone for a touchdown to cap an impressive drive for the tight end and the Packers, who now lead 7-3. It's Kraft's fourth touchdown reception of the season. Kraft, a second-year player, is proving to be so valuable.

He began the drive that started deep in the Packers territory with a first down to give the Packers some breathing room. And then he ended it with a great catch to get the Packers on the board.

Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt had the interception on Love in the first quarter but on this drive he cost his team 15 yards on what would have been a third down after he was called for unnecessary roughness.

Love appears to have shaken off the rust from the early interception.

Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 6:50

Score: Packers 7, Texans 3 (with 13:16 left in the second quarter)

Texans 3, Packers 0 (after first quarter)

The Packers are on the move in their third possesion of the game when the second quarter begins.

After a 4-yard loss on a reverse end-around to Christian Watson, they'll have a second and 14 from the Texans 41-yard line.

The drive started at their own 8-yard line but they've moved the chains with their assortment of playmakers. The drive has gone over 5 minutes. Tucker Kraft had an 11-yard catch and run for a first down to get the offense going. Then Jordan Love had a nice 11-yard completion to Romeo Doubs and Bo Melton got in on the action for an 8-yard catch for a first down.

Xavier McKinney gets big third-down sack on C.J. Stroud to force a Texans punt

We know Xavier McKinney can pick off quarterbacks. He had five in the team's first five games.

But his game extends beyond the secondary and interceptions. The do-everything safety can get after the quarterback.

On a 3rd and 6 at the Packers 36-yard line, McKinney went untouched on the left side for a blitz and sacked C.J. Stroud for an 8-yard loss. That was a huge play by McKinney, the team's prized free agent acquisition.

The sack pushed the Texans out of field goal range.

Texans defense playing without five starters but stop Packers again

The Texans are without five defensive starters but that hasn't mattered.

After Houston picked off Love on the first possession, the Texans forced a three and out.

The Packers offense looked great last week against Arizona at home but so far they're not in a groove.

Texans lead Packers, 3-0, after Jordan Love's interception

The Texans capitalize on Jordan Love's interception with a 23-yard field goal by Kaʻimi Fairbairn.

C.J. Stroud had three incompletions and didn't look all that comfortable in the red zone. The Packers gave the Texans another opportunity thanks to an offsides penalty by Preston Smith.

Then after the field goal, Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That's three penalties on the Packers early in this game. Penalties have been a seasonlong issue for this team.

It also seems very chippy between these two teams.

Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1 minute

Score: Texans 3, Packers 0 (with 11:48 left in first quarter)

Jordan Love throws interception on Packers' opening drive

The Packers get a 39-yard kickoff return from Keisean Nixon but it's called back due to a holding penalty.

But the Packers get the yards back on the first offensive play after Jordan Love found Romeo Doubs for a 23-yard catch.

However, not long after, on 3rd and 5 at the 50-yard, Love's pass to Dontayvion Wicks was intercepted by Neville Hewitt, who returned it 45 yards to the Packers 11-yard line.

The ball was tipped but the Texans read Love's pass. Not a good start. Love has now thrown an interception in five straight games.

Packers weather

The theme is "Winter Warning" but it's 72 degrees at kickoff. How about this for October weather? It might not get any nicer for a fall day.

The white that fans are wearing should keep them cool at least.

Jordan Love arrives for Packers game in white out theme

The Packers quarterback understood the assignment. He participated in the "white out" theme with his Sunday best as he arrived for the game.

Packers inactives today vs Texans

Starting defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt is inactive for the third straight game because of an ankle injury.

Wyatt was ruled out on Friday's injury report. Safety Kitan Oladapo, defensive end Brenton Cox Jr., guard/center Jacob Monk, tackle Travis Glover and tight end John FitzPatrick fill out the Packers' inactive list.

Here's more on the inactive list .

What time is the Packer game today?

Start time: Noon

Location: Lambeau Field

The Packers and Texans meet for the sixth time ever on Sunday. The Packers lead the all-time series, 4-1.

Packers winter warning uniforms

The Packers will be wearing all white helmets and uniforms for their "Winter Warning" theme. The team is also asking fans to wear white to create a white-out atmosphere.

Who is the Packers new kicker?

Brandon McManus is the Packers' new kicker. The Packers signed the veteran McManus to a one-year deal this week after cutting the struggling Brayden Narveson.

McManus, 31, last kicked for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. He signed with the Washington Commanders in the offseason but was cut after sexual assault and harassment accusations surfaced from his time in Jacksonville.

A circuit court judge in Florida dismissed the lawsuit in early September, but the lawsuit was refiled. The NFL later determined there was “insufficient evidence” that McManus violated the NFL’s conduct policy, allowing him to sign with another team.

McManus’ case remains open, according to court records, but he said this week it's been “resolved."

What channel is the Packers game on today? TV, live stream

TV Channel: CBS (Channel 58 in Milwaukee, Channel 5 in Green Bay)

Live stream: Paramount+ and Fubo , which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

The Packers vs Texans game is CBS' top game for Week 7. That means you'll hear Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Tony Romo (analyst) in the booth with Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines.

Packers record

The Packers are 4-2 on the season after winning their last two games.

The Packers' two losses are to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 from Brazil and to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 when Love returned from injury.

Green Bay went 2-0 when Jordan Love was injured earlier this season with Malik Willis starting at quarterback.

Texans record

The Texans are 5-1 and have a two-game lead up on the second-place Indianapolis Colts. Houston has a three-game winning streak and are coming off a 41-point showing last week in dominating the New England Patriots.

Their lone loss is to the Vikings in Week 3.

Packers vs Texans odds, betting line, spread

The Packers are a field goal favorite over the Texans.

Spread: Packers -3
Moneyline: Packers -150; Texans +130
Over/under: 48

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday night.

Packers vs Texans predictions

Three of our four beat reporters are picking the Packers to top the Texans and move their record to 5-2. Everyone predicts a close game. And based on their scores, don't bet the under.

Pete Dougherty: Packers 27, Texans 24

Tom Silverstein: Packers 28, Texans 23

Ryan Wood: Texans 35, Packers 31

Dominique Yates: Packers 34, Texans 31

Packers injury report

The Packers are returning to good health. The team had 52 of their 53 players practice on Friday. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, who hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 4 against the Vikings, was the only player who didn't practice.

Wyatt has already been ruled out for Sunday's game. Meanwhile, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) and defensive lineman Colby Wooden (knee) are questionable. Both have been limited participants at practice this week.