Stock up, Stock Down in Texans' win over Titans

The Houston Texans finally have something to celebrate. Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3 in Week 5, earning its first win of the 2026 season after four straight losses. C.J. Stroud delivered an efficient performance, Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter wrecked Tennessee’s offense, and Ka’imi Fairbairn and Jaylin Noel kept the scoreboard moving.

But not everyone had a day to remember. While several Texans stepped up, injuries and continued offensive line struggles exposed areas that still need work. Here’s who boosted their stock and who left Houston with questions to answer.

Stock Up- Will Anderson Jr.

The edge rusher was the Texans’ biggest defensive difference-maker. He recorded three sacks, all in the fourth quarter, and helped keep Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward under pressure. Anderson’s final two sacks came on the Titans’ last drive, effectively ending any hope of a comeback. He now has 7.5 sacks through five games, putting him among the league’s most productive pass rushers.

A performance Houston needs him to repeat. Anderson’s relentless pressure helped hold Tennessee to 187 total yards and no touchdowns. His ability to win one-on-one matchups made life easier for the rest of the defense. He has been one of Houston’s most consistent defensive players, while getting support from Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Derek Stingley Jr.

Stock Up- C.J. Stroud

Houston quarterback delivered the kind of response everyone was looking for. Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown, then added a two-yard rushing score in the third quarter. He finished with a 107.6 passer rating and no interceptions. His accuracy and decision-making kept Houston’s offense moving even when the running game struggled.

Through five games, Stroud has thrown for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, completing 64.3% of his passes. The Texans’ 0-4 start was not entirely his fault, and the Titans game reinforced that point.

Stock Down- David Montgomery

An injury cut Montgomery’s afternoon short. He managed just five carries for 11 yards before leaving with a groin injury in the second quarter. He did not return, limiting his chance to establish himself against Tennessee. The Texans’ running game finished with only 79 yards on 27 carries, and Montgomery’s early exit forced the team to lean more heavily on Woody Marks.

Montgomery has recorded 138 rushing yards on 52 carries through five games, averaging only 2.6 yards per attempt. That is not the production Houston expected when it brought him in to strengthen the backfield. His injury is an added concern, but the bigger issue is that the offensive line has not consistently created running lanes.

Stock Up- Ka’imi Fairbairn

Fairbairn made all four of his attempts against Tennessee, connecting from 45, 35, 26 and 53 yards. His accuracy accounted for 14 points and helped Houston build a 12-3 halftime lead while the offense struggled to finish drives. Three of his field goals came in the second quarter, including the 53-yarder just before halftime.

Fairbairn gave Houston points whenever the offense stalled. His long-range accuracy also helped the Texans maintain control before Stroud’s second-half touchdowns put the game away.

Stock Down- Trent Brown

Houston’s front has struggled to create space for its running backs, and the team’s ground game averaged just 2.9 yards per carry against Tennessee. The Texans also allowed two sacks of Stroud, showing that pass protection was not perfect despite the comfortable final score.

Brown brings experience and size, but Houston needs more consistent execution from the entire offensive line. Penalties and missed blocks have repeatedly stalled drives and erased promising plays. Houston will need cleaner blocking if it wants the offense to perform against Jacksonville.

Stock Up- Jaylin Noel

The second year wide receiver caught five passes for 41 yards and a nine-yard touchdown. Stroud found him in the end zone in the third quarter, an important play that extended Houston’s lead to 26-3 and put the game out of reach. Noel also contributed a one-yard rushing attempt, giving the offense another way to use his versatility.

Noel has shown he can contribute in different ways, and his ability to finish a scoring drive was encouraging. With Houston adding Marvin Harrison Jr. to the receiving group, Noel will need to keep making the most of his opportunities.

Stock Down- Keylan Rutledge

The rookie guard has not yet solved Houston’s interior blocking problems. Rutledge was drafted to strengthen the offensive line, but the Texans still struggled to establish the run against Tennessee. For a first-round pick, the expectation is that he will help improve the line as the season progresses.

Rutledge is still adjusting to NFL speed and technique, and one game should not define his rookie season. Stroud was sacked twice against Tennessee, so Houston cannot afford to let the interior line remain a weakness.

Stock Up- Woody Marks

Marks stepped up after Montgomery’s injury, finishing with 62 rushing yards on 15 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also caught four passes for 23 yards, giving the Texans a useful option in the passing game. Marks helped keep the offense moving after Montgomery left in the second quarter with a groin injury.

Houston’s running game remains inconsistent, and Marks did not score a touchdown. Still, he handled an increased workload and provided more production than the team had been getting from its ground attack in recent weeks.