Texans Stun the 49ers 26–15: C.J. Stroud Leads Houston to Statement Win at Home
The Houston Texans delivered one of their most complete performances of the season Sunday afternoon, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 26–15 in front of an electric NRG Stadium crowd. The win was more than just another tally in the standings — it was a statement that Houston can compete with the NFL’s elite.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud shined once again, throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns while spreading the ball to nine different receivers. Despite missing key offensive targets like Nico Collins, Stroud maintained rhythm and command, leading an offense that piled up over 470 total yards and controlled the ball for more than 41 minutes.
Houston’s offense looked sharp, mixing tempo and creativity in a way that kept San Francisco guessing. The only downside came in the red zone, where the Texans converted just one touchdown on five trips — an area head coach DeMeco Ryans said they’ll aim to clean up before their next outing.
Defensively, Houston was equally impressive. The Texans limited Christian McCaffrey to only 25 rushing yards and kept the 49ers’ offense off balance all game long. Pressure from the front seven and strong secondary play forced San Francisco to settle for short gains and field goals, stifling one of the league’s most dynamic attacks.
The victory moves Houston to 3–4 on the season, marking a confidence-building performance that could shift the tone of their campaign. For the 49ers, the loss drops them to 5–3, as injuries and missed opportunities proved too costly on the road.
Representing H-Town Pulse, John and Cambree Catalano were in attendance capturing the energy of the matchup — from the Texans’ first-half momentum to the fans erupting in celebration as the final whistle blew. Their coverage showcased the excitement and pride running through Houston as the city’s team earned a signature win under the lights of NRG Stadium.
The Texans have made their message clear: this isn’t a rebuild anymore — it’s the rise of a contender.
