Houston Texans Prepare to Face Giants as C.J. Stroud Shines

The Houston Texans head into Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season looking to build momentum after securing back-to-back victories. Sitting at a 2-4 record following a difficult 0-4 start, the Texans are preparing to host the New York Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been the driving force behind Houston's recent resurgence, playing some of the best football of his professional career. Through six starts, Stroud has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 1,714 yards, throwing nine touchdowns against just one interception for a 100.9 passer rating.

Stroud's stellar play comes after he made the high-stakes decision during the offseason to turn down a contract extension offer from the Texans worth more than $50 million per year. According to reports, Stroud opted to bet on himself within a growing quarterback market, a gamble that is currently paying off as he orchestrates a potent offense.

The Texans' passing attack features a deep group of targets, bolstered by the recent addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. alongside established receivers like Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel has emerged as a reliable weapon, combining for significant yardage over the team's last three outings.

Despite success through the air, Houston has grappled with persistent struggles in its running game. The team has cycled through multiple running backs, including acquiring David Montgomery and utilizing Woody Marks, while attempting to solve ongoing rushing inefficiencies behind a shaky interior offensive line.

ESPN's Benjamin Solak recently floated the possibility of the Texans pursuing a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley before the October 20 deadline to help stabilize the backfield. However, significant financial hurdles, including future salary cap constraints and upcoming extensions for key players, complicate any potential blockbuster deal.

Defensively, the Texans are looking for improved consistency as they prepare for the Giants. Safety Calen Bullock aims to build on his first interception of the season secured during a win in London, while the team monitors player health regarding linebacker and secondary rotations heading into Sunday's contest.