H OUSTON -- According to C.J. Stroud, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when he's dealing. And against the San Francisco 49ers, Stroud delivered what coach DeMeco Ryans called one of Stroud's "best games ever" in the Houston Texans ' 26-15 win Sunday.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are on the right side of a critical update before facing the Denver Broncos.

Houston coach DeMeco Ryans had high praise for C.J. Stroud after his performance in Sunday’s win over San Francisco. “One of his best games ever,” Ryans said.

Instead of having to settle for another field goal, C.J, Stroud and Xavier Hutchinson hooked up to put the 49ers in a deeper hole.

Unsurprisingly, based on how the game had gone, the 49ers went three-and-out on their third offensive possession of the game. The ten plays the 49ers had gone without a first down had been the longest the Niners had gone without a first down under Kyle Shanahan.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is congratulated by teammates Aireontae Ersery (79) and Tytus Howard (71) after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Houston. Credit: AP/Eric Christian Smith

Despite missing his favorite target, C.J. Stroud arguably looked the most comfortable he's been in in a Texans uniform.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tiptoes up the sideline on a 13-yard scramble against the San Francisco 49ers.