Texans Defeat Titans 26-3 to Claim First Win of 2026

Houston ended its five-game winless start to the 2026 NFL season with a 26-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday, October 11. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 261 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another, helping the Texans improve to 1-4 and extending Tennessee's losing streak as the Titans fell to 0-5.

According to WRAL's Associated Press report, Houston forced two turnovers, recorded four sacks, and limited Tennessee to a season-low 187 total yards. Linebacker Will Anderson Jr. accounted for three of the Texans' sacks, while safety Jalen Pitre recovered a fumble and Jake Hansen intercepted a pass from Titans quarterback Cam Ward.

The victory also continued Houston's recent dominance in the divisional matchup. According to Yahoo Sports, the Texans improved to 6-1 against Tennessee under head coach DeMeco Ryans, took a 25-24 lead in the all-time series, and repeated their previous-season achievement of ending an opening losing streak with a win over the Titans.

Tennessee initially took the lead with Joey Slye's 30-yard field goal, but Houston responded with four first-half field goals by Ka'imi Fairbairn to establish a 12-3 advantage. The Texans struggled to finish two red-zone possessions with touchdowns before halftime, allowing the Titans to remain within reach despite Houston's offensive advantage.

Houston then controlled the game after the break. WRAL reported that the Texans outgained Tennessee 225-49 and outscored the Titans 16-0 across the second and third quarters, while Yahoo Sports noted that Houston produced 125 yards of offense in the second half compared with just 17 for Tennessee.

The defining sequence came during a 17-play drive that consumed 8 minutes, 23 seconds in the third quarter. Stroud escaped pressure from defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on third-and-11 before connecting with Kayshon Boutte for a 23-yard sideline catch. Stroud capped the possession with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to extend Houston's lead to 19-3.

Stroud added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, finding Jaylin Noel for a 9-yard scoring pass. The Texans' two second-half touchdowns secured the 23-point victory and left Tennessee with only Slye's opening field goal.

Houston's performance was not without mistakes. According to WRAL, the Texans committed 11 penalties for 95 yards, while Tennessee finished with seven penalties for 83 yards. The Titans did not draw a penalty until 2:49 remained in the third quarter.

Ward completed the game with 170 passing yards, but his interception contributed to Tennessee's inability to sustain drives. The Titans have now lost 11 consecutive AFC South games and six straight contests dating back to the end of last season, according to WRAL.

Injuries also affected both teams. Houston running back David Montgomery injured his groin in the second quarter and did not return after recording five carries for 11 yards. Pitre later sustained a shoulder injury. Tennessee safety Amani Hooker remained in concussion protocol before kickoff, Kevin Winston Jr. injured his quadriceps early in the game, and cornerback Cor'Dale Flott suffered a chest injury and did not return.

The loss left Tennessee with its first 0-5 start since 2009, when Jeff Fisher coached the team, according to Yahoo Sports. The Titans are scheduled to visit the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6, while Houston will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.