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C.J. Stroud, Texans Confident Heading Into Meeting With Injury-Ravaged 49ers
Week 8 of the NFL season features a cross-conference matchup in Houston, where C.J. Stroud and the Texans host the San Francisco 49ers — a team fighting through a mounting injury crisis.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET from NRG Stadium, with FOX carrying the broadcast. The Texans enter at 2-4, looking to rebound from a road loss in Seattle, while the 49ers sit at 5-2 and are trying to maintain their lead in the NFC West despite a depleted roster.
For updated lines and injury info, visit the NFL Odds Page.
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San Francisco 49ers: Fighting Attrition
The 49ers are in survival mode. After last week’s 20-10 win over Atlanta, they now face life without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner — both lost to season-ending injuries. The defensive front that once intimidated the league has been gutted, forcing the offense to carry more of the weight.
Mac Jones will start at quarterback again with Brock Purdy sidelined by a toe injury. Jones was efficient last week, leaning heavily on Christian McCaffrey, who racked up 201 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns and earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Right tackle Colton McKivitz acknowledged the urgency. “We’ve got to start hitting on all cylinders,” he said. “There’s a little more urgency to score and execute better.”
Even with all the injuries, San Francisco remains one of the league’s most structurally sound teams. They rank near the top in rushing defense and yards allowed per play, a testament to Kyle Shanahan’s system and the unit’s discipline.
Explore full team metrics and rankings on the NFL Teams page.
Houston Texans: Stroud’s Calm Leadership
The Texans are coming off a 27-19 loss to Seattle but remain optimistic under second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. He threw for 229 yards and a touchdown in that game, even with key receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk sidelined.
“My confidence is as high as ever,” Stroud said this week. “I trust my process and my preparation. I know it’s going to click.”
Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Houston has forged an identity built on physical defense and disciplined execution. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and interceptions, anchored by Will Anderson Jr. and a developing secondary.
On offense, Houston has shown flashes of explosiveness. In their 44-10 rout of Baltimore earlier this year, they dominated both through the air and on the ground. The potential is there — they simply need consistency in the red zone and fewer empty drives.
For complete betting insights and player data, check the NFL Picks section.
Injury Reports
San Francisco 49ers
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Bosa (DL) | Out | ACL |
| Fred Warner (LB) | Out | Ankle |
| Brock Purdy (QB) | Out | Toe |
| Bryce Huff (DE) | Out | Hamstring |
| Jake Brendel (C) | Out | Hamstring |
| Yetur Gross-Matos (DL) | Out | Knee/Hamstring |
| Ricky Pearsall (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Deommodore Lenoir (CB) | Questionable | Quad |
| Spencer Burford (G) | Questionable | Knee |
Houston Texans
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Nico Collins (WR) | Out | Concussion |
| Christian Kirk (WR) | Out | Hamstring |
| Joe Mixon (RB) | Out | Foot |
| Alijah Huzzie (CB) | Out | Knee |
| Brevin Jordan (TE) | Out | Knee |
| Tank Dell (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Jimmie Ward (S) | Out | Foot |
Full injury updates and lineup changes are available on the NFL Scores and Odds hub.
Betting Insights and Trends
The betting market reflects the injury uncertainty. Houston enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite, a rare position against a team with San Francisco’s pedigree. The 49ers’ resilience after losses and Houston’s home strength make this matchup one of the week’s tightest lines.
- San Francisco is 3-0 ATS and 3-0 straight up after a loss in its last three games.
- The 49ers have gone over the total in three straight road games.
- Houston is 6-1 ATS as a favorite in its last seven.
- The Texans are 5-1 to the over when totals close at 42 or lower.
- Houston is 4-1 straight up as a home favorite in its last five.
More betting projections and expert picks are available in the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
This game will be defined by control and execution. Houston’s defensive front has the advantage against a banged-up San Francisco offensive line, while Stroud’s poise and pocket awareness could exploit the 49ers’ weakened pass rush.
Expect Houston to lean on quick throws and misdirection runs to neutralize pressure, while San Francisco will try to ride McCaffrey’s versatility to steady the offense. If Mac Jones avoids turnovers, the 49ers can keep it close, but they’ll be heavily reliant on a limited supporting cast.
Houston’s defense thrives on creating turnovers, and Stroud’s efficiency should give them the balance needed to pull this one out at home.
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Prediction
San Francisco is built to withstand adversity, but too many injuries at key positions make this a tough trip. Houston has the healthier roster, a confident young quarterback, and home-field edge.
Projected Final Score: Houston Texans 24, San Francisco 49ers 21
Best Bets: Texans -1.5 | Over 41.5
Get real-time odds, injury alerts, and verified picks for all Week 8 games on the NFL hub.
