Houston Takes Early Control and Cruises Past Arizona
The Houston Texans continued their late-season surge on Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 40–20 behind a sharp performance from quarterback C.J. Stroud. The win marked Houston’s sixth consecutive victory, their longest winning streak since a nine-game run in 2018, and further strengthened their playoff hopes.Stroud finished the afternoon with 260 passing yards and three touchdowns, efficiently guiding an offense that jumped out to a commanding early lead and never looked back. Houston improved to 9–5 on the season, while Arizona fell to 3–11, suffering its sixth straight loss.
A Lightning-Fast Start Sets the Tone
Houston wasted no time asserting control. On the second play of the game, Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 57-yard touchdown, the Texans’ fastest scoring drive of the season. Collins caught a short pass, evaded two diving defenders near midfield, and sprinted untouched into the end zone.Momentum swung further in Houston’s favor moments later when the Cardinals fumbled the ensuing kickoff. Although the Texans were unable to capitalize with a touchdown, a 30-yard field goal extended the lead to 10–0 and kept pressure firmly on Arizona.
Texans Build a Comfortable Lead
Houston continued to dominate the first quarter, stretching the advantage to 17–0 when Woody Marks scored on a one-yard run using a direct snap. The Texans’ balanced attack and defensive pressure kept the Cardinals off rhythm throughout the first half.Arizona attempted to claw back into the game in the second half. Michael Wilson hauled in an 11-yard touchdown reception with just over 11 minutes remaining, but a failed two-point conversion left Houston firmly in control at 33–20.
Stroud and Collins Seal the Win
Any lingering doubt was erased when Stroud found Collins once again, this time on a four-yard touchdown pass that capped the scoring and finalized the 40–20 result.Collins finished with three receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season—a significant milestone that underscores his role as one of Stroud’s most reliable targets.
Playoff Momentum for Houston
With six straight wins, the Texans are peaking at the right time as the postseason approaches. Stroud’s consistency, combined with explosive playmaking from Collins and a defense that capitalized on Arizona’s mistakes, has turned Houston into one of the AFC’s most dangerous late-season teams.For the Cardinals, the loss extended a difficult stretch that dates back to their last win on November 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. As the season winds down, Arizona continues to search for answers while Houston eyes a deep playoff run.
