That version of the Houston Texans can win a division title.
The only problem? It needs to show up every week from here on out.
Behind a 318-yard passing performance from C.J. Stroud, the Texans moved to 3-4 on the regular season with a 26-15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Stroud, who completed 30-of-39 pass attempts, finished with two touchdowns and an interception while leading five different scoring drives.
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The Texans’ offense was dynamic in the passing attack, moving the ball to multiple targets on the opening drive to keep momentum moving. Xavier Hutchinson led the group with 69 yards and five catches to go along with his 30-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Former Iowa State standout Jaylin Noel tacked on 63 yards and five more catches to serve as a steady replacement for Christian Kirk in the slot.
With Nico Collins out, second-round pick Jayden Higgins became the top red zone threat, hauling in a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Houston offensively finished with seven third-down conversions, which marked the second-highest of the season for the offense under first-year play-caller Nick Caley.
As promising as the offense was, the defense was a selling point to secure a win at home. The front seven took away the run game of Christian McCaffery, who only finished with 24 rushing yards on the afternoon despite leading the league in touches. Former New England Patriots star Mac Jones had trouble getting the offense going, trailing by 16 entering the midway point through the third quarter.
Pro Football Focus handed out player grades for those who took a snap in Houston’s win over the 49ers and we broke them down by offense and defense. Below are the five highest and lowest grades on the offensive side of the ball after a surprising performance at NRG Stadium.
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There were a few surprises in terms of the highest- and lowest-graded players, both on offense and defense. In fact, most of you can already guess who graded out in stellar and horrendous fashion.
Here’s a look at the five best defensive players below.
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Top 5 defense
CB Kamari Lassiter – 89.9
DB Derek Stingley Jr. – 66.3
LB Azeez Al-Shaair – 66.6
Lassiter’s interception in the fourth quarter sealed a victory for Houston with just over two minutes remaining. On eight targets, the second-year cornerback allowed one catch for 11 yards. His coverage grade of 89.9 marked the second-highest number of the season.
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) catches a pass under pressure from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) and safety Calen Bullock (2) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Bottom 5 defense
DL Mario Edwards Jr. – 51.6
Oct 26, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) reacts after a defensive play during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Other notables
OL Laken Tomlinson – 64.4
WR Xavier Hutchinson – 54.7
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans PFF grades: Top & Bottom defensive players in win vs. 49ers
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