C.J. Stroud Brings Houston’s Surge Home Against the Giants

Three seconds remained in London when Houston drilled a 49-yard field goal to beat Jacksonville 34-31. That kick did more than end a wild game. It gave the Texans their second straight win and brought real energy back to Reliant Stadium for Sunday’s meeting with the Giants.

Houston is 2-4, but its recent run shows why its season still has room to grow. The Texans scored 26 points against Tennessee, then 34 against Jacksonville. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been the steady hand in that climb. He has thrown nine touchdown passes and only one interception, a sign that he is finding open targets without giving defenses easy chances. His top target, Nico Collins, is a tall, powerful receiver who can turn a deep throw into a huge gain. Collins already has three touchdown catches in four games.

The Giants arrive at 3-2-1 after a 34-27 loss to New Orleans. Their record is still ahead of Houston’s, yet New York must solve a difficult puzzle. Jaxson Dart is on injured reserve after knee surgery, so the Giants will need their available quarterbacks to guide an offense facing a fierce pass rush. In last week’s loss, Malik Nabers showed he can keep the Giants moving no matter who throws the ball. His 12 catches for 165 yards made him the bright light in a comeback that fell short.

Nabers is New York’s quick-strike artist. He can win outside, work across the middle, and turn short passes into races downfield. Tight end Isaiah Likely adds another big target, while Cam Skattebo gives the Giants a hard-running option. Skattebo has rushed for 294 yards in five games because he keeps driving after first contact. New York needs that toughness Sunday. A strong ground attack can keep Houston’s speedy defenders from charging straight at the quarterback.

That task gets harder because Houston’s defense gives up only 329 yards per game. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter lead a group built to hurry passers, while cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter challenge receivers on every throw. The Texans have injuries of their own, including questions around running back David Montgomery and tight end Dalton Schultz. Montgomery’s status matters because his bruising runs can make defenders crowd the line, opening space for Stroud and Collins.

The Giants also have major absences on defense, with pass rusher Brian Burns on injured reserve and several defensive backs listed as questionable. That could leave a young secondary chasing Collins, Tank Dell if he returns from his knee injury, and Houston’s fast-moving passing game.

This game is a race between two teams trying to turn promise into progress. New York has the stronger record and Nabers can change any drive with one catch. Still, Houston’s home field, rising offense, and defense built to pressure quarterbacks give the Texans the clearer path. Expect Houston to win and continue its climb back into the AFC race.