Written by Jim Williams, Senior Columnist – Capital Sports
HOUSTON — The San Francisco 49ers (5–2), leaders of the NFC West, know they can’t afford a slip-up in Week 8. With playoff positioning on the line, they travel to NRG Stadium to face a Houston Texans (2–4) squad that has struggled to find consistency. Despite their record, the Texans have shown flashes of potential — and the 49ers, battered by injuries but still resilient, can’t afford to overlook them. Sunday’s matchup is a classic trap game, and San Francisco’s margin for error is razor-thin.
Game Preview: Week 8 Showdown
The 49ers are coming off a 20–10 win over the Falcons, powered by Christian McCaffrey’s 201 total yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Mac Jones managed the game efficiently, but San Francisco’s offense still hasn’t hit its full stride. Meanwhile, Houston is reeling from a 27–19 loss to Seattle, where C.J. Stroud completed just 46.9% of his passes and the Texans’ run game was stifled USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.
Despite their struggles, oddsmakers have made Houston a slight favorite at home — a nod to San Francisco’s injury woes and the Texans’ defensive potential Sports Illustrated.
Players to Watch
- Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers): The engine of San Francisco’s offense, McCaffrey leads the league in scrimmage yards and is a threat on every down.
- George Kittle (TE, 49ers): A reliable target and elite blocker, Kittle will be key in neutralizing Houston’s front seven.
- C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans): The rookie has shown flashes but must improve his accuracy and decision-making to keep Houston competitive.
- Dalton Schultz (TE, Texans): Coming off a 98-yard performance, Schultz is Stroud’s most dependable weapon.
TV and Betting Information
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Network: FOX
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, NFL+
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- Odds: Texans -1.5 | Over/Under: 42.5 Sports Illustrated USA TODAY
What’s at Stake
For the 49ers, this is about maintaining control of the NFC West and proving they can win on the road despite injuries. For Houston, it’s a chance to salvage their season and earn a signature win against a playoff-caliber opponent. With both teams needing momentum, expect a physical, high-stakes battle in the Lone Star State.
