Houston, Texas – The Houston Texans earned their first win of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, routing the Tennessee Titans 26-3 at NRG Stadium. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was the catalyst, delivering a 261‑yard passing performance with a touchdown and adding a rushing score of his own.
Key moments and statistics
Stroud’s dual‑threat display set the tone early. After a 30‑yard field goal by Joey Slye gave Tennessee an opening lead, the Texans responded with a sustained drive that culminated in a 2‑yard rushing touchdown by Stroud. The Texans then built a 12‑3 halftime advantage, thanks in part to four field goals from kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (35, 26, and two others).
Houston dominated possession in the second and third quarters, outgaining the Titans 225‑49 and adding 16 unanswered points. The defense forced two turnovers, including a fumble recovery by safety Jalen Pitre after a mishandled handoff by Tennessee’s Tyjae Spears, and an interception by Jake Hansen on a pass from Titans quarterback Cam Ward.
Will Anderson Jr. anchored the defensive line, recording three of the team’s four sacks. The Texans held Tennessee to a season‑low 187 total yards, limiting the Titans to just one sack.
Scoring summary
After the opening field goal, Stroud’s 2‑yard scramble gave Houston a 7‑3 lead. Fairbairn added two more field goals before halftime, extending the lead to 12‑3. In the third quarter, a 17‑play, 8‑minute‑23‑second drive capped by a 23‑yard pass to Kayshon Boutte and a 2‑yard keeper by Stroud pushed the score to 19‑3. Stroud capped the scoring with a 9‑yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Noel early in the fourth quarter, sealing the 26‑3 victory.
Injuries and penalties
Houston’s physical play came at a cost. The team was flagged 11 times for 95 yards, while the Titans incurred seven penalties for 83 yards. Running back David Montgomery left the game with a groin injury after five carries for 11 yards. Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott also exited with injuries, as did Titans safety Amani Hooker, who remained in concussion protocol.
Despite the setbacks, the Texans’ depth held firm. Practice‑squad elevation Isaiah Oliver made a notable impact, delivering a hit that forced both Flott and Texans tight end Dalton Schultz out of the end‑zone play.
Looking ahead
The Texans will travel to London next Sunday to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Titans head to Indianapolis for their next matchup. Both teams will look to address the injuries that have begun to mount as the season progresses.
Houston’s early‑season win provides a morale boost for a franchise that started 0‑4. With Stroud’s leadership and a stout defensive effort, the Texans hope to build momentum and compete for a playoff spot as the season unfolds.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
