The Houston Texans snapped their four-game losing streak with a convincing 26–3 road victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. C.J. Stroud threw for 261 yards and a touchdown, added a rushing score, and protected the football. Houston’s defense also delivered, holding Tennessee to 187 total yards while Will Anderson Jr. recorded three sacks.
Houston heads to London for a Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which improved to 4–1 after stunning the Philadelphia Eagles 19–17. The Jaguars have allowed plenty of passing yards, but their ability to force turnovers and limit scoring makes them a dangerous opponent.
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s latest NFL quarterback rankings moved Stroud from No. 19 in the preseason to No. 12, a seven-spot jump. The rankings also feature established stars such as Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, alongside rising quarterbacks including Brock Purdy and Drake Maye.
C.J. Stroud’s Ranking in Sports Illustrated’s List: Why He’s Moving Up
Stroud has thrown for 1,402 yards through five games, ranking fourth in the NFL, while averaging 7.6 yards per attempt. He has completed 64.3% of his passes for six touchdowns without an interception, and his total expected points added (EPA) stands at +19.8, according to the ranking’s figures.
That combination of accuracy, efficiency and ball security explains why Sports Illustrated moved him up seven spots. The Texans may be 1–4, but Stroud is not the primary reason for their struggles.
The Texans lost their first four games, including a heartbreaking 34–30 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Their defense has struggled to protect leads, while injuries to Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins have complicated the passing game. The team also needs greater consistency in pass protection and play-calling to turn productive offensive stretches into wins. Stroud’s numbers offer encouragement, but Houston cannot afford to waste another strong performance from its quarterback.
Houston acquired wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. via a trade with Arizona, reuniting the 2024 No. 4 overall pick with his former Ohio State teammate. Harrison brings another talented receiving option to an offense that has needed help, particularly with Collins sidelined. Their college connection could help Harrison settle in quickly, although he will need to translate that familiarity into production at the NFL level.
The Texans’ postseason hopes remain alive, but the margin for error is slim. A win over Jacksonville would provide a major boost, and Stroud’s continued efficiency could make Houston a dangerous team if the defense finds consistency.
More on the Houston Texans
- League Evaluators Reveal Marvin Harrison Jr. Was Worth a Fourth-Round Pick Before Texans Trade
- Texans Receive Good News Before Week 6 Game vs. Jaguars
- Texans’ Trade for Marvin Harrison Jr. All About C.J. Stroud
- Is Danielle Hunter Back? His 10 Pressures vs. the Titans Nearly Matched His First Four Games
