Texans fall 20-19 at home to Tampa Bay, slipping to 0-2 as the late defense couldn’t close out the two-minute drill. Mayfield’s 11-play drive sealed it after Chubb and Noel jump-started a Houston lead with a punt return and a long TD run. Houston’s run defense surrendered 169 yards, and Stroud’s rhythm with Nico Collins wavered after an early TD. Protection issues reemerged in the second half, underscoring the need for cleaner pockets and sharper tackling to stay competitive.

Offense showed bright spots early, especially Collins on the opening strike, but the passing game needs consistent targets and red-zone execution. If Houston can fix the back-end timing with Collins and tighten late-game protection, they’ll have a clearer path to turning Week 2’s lessons into Week 3 momentum.

Texans strike early on MNF as C.J. Stroud fires a 29-yard dart to Nico Collins for Houston’s first TD, signaling a potential resurgence after Week 1’s slow start. DeMeco Ryans explains that the opener’s struggles came from game script, not talent, and the Stroud–Collins connection looks like it could become a weekly staple. Collins finished 2024 with 1,006 yards on 68 receptions and seven TDs, and the offense now leans on sustaining that pace.

Fantasy takeaway: Collins looks primed for strong target volume, Stroud’s development boosts multiple Texans options, while Mayfield’s praise of Houston’s edge duo Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter hints at a growing Texans-dominant defense and a more complete team entering the schedule.