Texans beat Patriots 34-27 to stay alive

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans did their part. Now they wait.

Rookie Arian Foster scored two touchdowns and Bernard Pollard recovered a fumble for a touchdown and had a key interception as the Texans rallied to beat the New England Patriots 34-27 on Sunday.

The victory gives Houston (9-7) its first winning record and keeps its slim playoff hopes alive. The Texans are primarily competing with Denver, Baltimore and the New York Jets for a wild-card spot.

They need two of those teams to lose to make the first postseason appearance in the eight-year history of the franchise.

Foster scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 3-yard run with about two minutes remaining.

That score was set up by Pollard's interception and 15-yard return four plays earlier. Tom Brady was hit by Mario Williams as he released the ball.