Joint-practice notes between Houston and Carolina offered early-season fantasy cues. C.J. Stroud led two Texans scoring drives, including a red-zone TD to Nico Collins after finding Hutchinson and rookie Jaylin Noel. Stroud’s next series folded into a near-pick in red zone, with Carolina’s secondary disrupting routes and hinting at improved defense. On the Texans, Christian Kirk emerged as Stroud’s reliable late-game option during two-minute scenarios, giving him a real-life-Game feel. Derek Stingley Jr. showcased why referencing him as a defensive playmaker matters, picking Young on a back-shoulder attempt and highlighting the Texans’ perimeter coverage. Carolina’s offense looked sharper, with Bryce Young threading Legette, Tremayne, and Evans across multiple drives, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders? ending a drive with a red-zone TD. Will Anderson Jr. pressed the issue for Houston, delivering two sacks and signaling a work-in-progress but high-ceiling defense. Overall, the session painted a balanced picture: Houston’s offense showing flashes under Stroud, Carolina’s system appearing incrementally more cohesive, and both teams parsing out depth and fit ahead of the season.