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NFL: Texans defeat the Denver Broncos to stay in contention

Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler, top, leaps to score a touchdown as Houston Texans defensive back Von Hutchins tries to intervene during the third quarter of their NFL game in Houston, Texas, on Thursday. PHOTO: AP

Sage Rosenfels scored two touchdowns and Ron Dayne rushed for 67 yards as the Houston Texans beat Denver 31-13 on Thursday to keep their post-season hopes alive.

Houston (7-7) are still alive in the AFC playoff race, one-and-a-half games behind the Cleveland Browns (8-5) for the final playoff spot.

The Tennessee Titans (7-6) and Buffalo Bills (7-6) also are in the running.

The Bills are playing at the Browns while the Titans are at the Kansas City Chiefs tomorrow.

Rosenfels helped Houston build an early 7-0 lead with the first rushing score of his career.

He was a perfect four-of-four on the Texans' game-opening drive, which put Houston in position for its third consecutive touchdown drive to open a game.

Rosenfels completed 16-of-27 passes for 200 yards with an interception.

The Texans added their final score when fullback Vonta Leach drove through the heart of the Broncos' defense for a one-yard touchdown plunge that gave Houston a 31-13 advantage with 3 minutes, 20 seconds left in the game.

Much-maligned defensive end Mario Williams had his best game ever as a pro, recording a new franchise-high three-and-a-half sacks, the last with 8 minutes, 38 seconds left that effectively ended the Broncos' hopes for a victory.

A former No. 1 overall pick, Williams trails only Seattle's Patrick Kerney with 13 sacks this season.

The defense played a key role for the Texans, who sacked Denver quarterback Jay Cutler five times in all and held the vaunted Broncos' rushing attack to just 72 yards.

The Texans stopped the Broncos on fourth-down plays in the third quarter as Denver (6-8) were threatening to take the lead.

Cutler finished 27-of-39 for 254 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos.
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