So, the Houston Texans just dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the Wild Card round, and honestly, if you only looked at the surface-level houston texans player stats from that game, you’d be missing the weirdest part of their season. C.J. Stroud actually struggled with turnovers in that matchup. He’s been the golden boy, the guy who basically resurrected the franchise, but it was the defense that turned into a buzzsaw when it mattered most.
We’re talking about a unit that limited a veteran like Aaron Rodgers to just 175 yards. That hasn't happened in the playoffs in a long time. It’s wild because everyone wants to talk about the "Stroud Era," but the 2025-2026 season stats show a team that is becoming terrifyingly well-rounded.
The Stroud Factor and the Real Passing Numbers
C.J. Stroud ended the regular season with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. People see those 19 TDs and think maybe he took a step back, but you've gotta look at the efficiency. He completed 64.5% of his passes. He isn't just chucking it deep every play; he’s picking teams apart. He only threw 8 interceptions across 423 attempts. That 1.9% interception rate is why they went on a nine-game winning streak.
But here is where it gets interesting. Stroud isn't just a statue back there anymore. He scrambled for 209 yards and a touchdown this year. It's not Lamar Jackson numbers, obviously, but it’s enough to keep defensive coordinators from sleeping well.
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Nico Collins is a Certified WR1
If there was any doubt about Nico Collins, his houston texans player stats for 2025 should shut that down. He hauled in 71 receptions for 1,117 yards. That’s a massive 15.7 yards per catch.
He’s a vertical threat that basically commands a double-team on every snap. When you look at his situational stats, he’s most dangerous in the first half—685 of his yards came before halftime. Teams start adjusting in the third quarter, which is usually when Dalton Schultz starts finding the soft spots in the zone. Schultz ended with 777 yards of his own, serving as the ultimate safety valve for Stroud.
Why the Defense is Actually Carrying the Load
While the offense gets the highlights, the defense is the reason this team is 12-5. They finished the regular season ranked first in total defense. Let that sink in. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are a nightmare pairing. Hunter led the way with 15 sacks, while Anderson followed up his Rookie of the Year campaign with 12 of his own.
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The Ball Hawks in the Secondary
The secondary is where things get truly "kinda" crazy. Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Jalen Pitre, and Kamari Lassiter all tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions each. That’s 16 picks between just four guys.
In that Wild Card win against the Steelers, Calen Bullock took an interception 50 yards to the house. It capped off a night where the Texans defense became the first since 1950 to score two touchdowns and hold an opponent under 200 yards in a playoff game. Sheldon Rankins even got in on the fun with a 33-yard fumble return for a TD.
The Unsung Heroes: Special Teams and the Ground Game
You’ve probably heard people complain about the Texans' rushing attack. Woody Marks led the team with 703 yards, but he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. That’s... not great. Nick Chubb came in and provided a spark with 506 yards and 3 touchdowns on a 4.2 average, but the run game is definitely the "weak" link here.
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On the flip side, Ka’imi Fairbairn is basically a machine. He put up 160 points this season. When the offense stalls in the red zone, he just trots out and nails it. He went 48-for-52 on field goals. That’s elite.
- Keep an eye on the turnover margin: Houston is +17 on the year. If they keep that up, they’re almost impossible to beat.
- Watch the Danielle Hunter/Will Anderson split: Teams are starting to chip-block Hunter more often, which is leaving Anderson in one-on-one situations. Expect Anderson's "pressure rate" to spike in the Divisional round.
- Nico Collins' Health: He’s the engine. Without him, the passing windows for Schultz and Jayden Higgins get much tighter.
Basically, the Texans are no longer a "feel-good story." They’re a defensive juggernaut with a quarterback who knows exactly how to manage a game. If you’re looking at the houston texans player stats to predict their next game against the Patriots, don't just look at Stroud's arm—look at how many times Hunter and Anderson hit the quarterback. That’s where the game will be won.
Next Steps for Texans Fans
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the Wednesday injury reports, specifically for the offensive line. Stroud was sacked 23 times this season, and with a high-pressure defense like New England coming up, his protection will be the deciding factor in whether they make their first AFC Championship Game.