The best way to describe the San Francisco 49ers' loss to the Houston Texans is deflating. They had numerous chances to make a stand and keep the game competitive, but couldn't. Of all the failed plays they had, three of them heavily influenced the 49ers' loss to the Texans.

C.J. Stroud is having a day and he has the Iowa State trio to thank for it. The Houston Texans are up 23-7 after Stroud connected with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson for a 19-yard score in the third quarter, capping off a 12-play, 94-yard drive while taking nearly six minutes off the clock.

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.

C.J. Stroud found Xavier Hutchinson for a 30-yard touchdown, extending the Houston Texans' lead over the San Francisco 49ers.

It took nearly all 60 minutes, but the Houston Texans offense scored a touchdown before the clock struck zero ina loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle made a strong grab in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans.

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

San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle made an outrageous touchdown catch, trimming the Houston Texans’ lead.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans does not go into detail about Nico Collins' status, as the star WR remains in concussion protocol

That version of the Houston Texans can win a division title. The only problem? It needs to show up every week from here on out.