49ers' defensive humiliation in Houston illustrates the limits of ‘next man up'

The San Francisco 49ers endured a three-hour root canal Sunday that served as a reminder that things can get really ugly when potential first-ballot Hall of Famers are replaced by second-stringers.

49ers Studs and Duds: Deommodore Lenoir’s game-shifting blunder just one of many in Niners loss to Titans

For a few, fleeting moments, the Niners’ H-Town showdown with the Texans was a contest. For the rest of the game, it was a lopsided beatdown reminiscent of an early-season college football game between a blue-blood program and a directional school that was bused in for a blowout game and a nice check.

Kurtenbach: For weeks, the 49ers have fended off the inevitable. It arrived in Houston

The 49ers have played some bad football this season. But Sunday was something else entirely: The 49ers played so poorly against the Houston Texans that it makes you question if they can ever win again. Their performance in a 29-15 loss was, in a word, awful.

San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

The San Francisco 49ers (5-2) visit the Houston Texans (2-4) Sunday in Week 8. Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, is at 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NFL odds around the 49ers vs. Texans odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.

Texans vs. 49ers updates: Houston leads by one score heading into 4th quarter

The Texans face the 49ers in a virtual must-win game for their playoff hopes. We'll have updates and anlysis throughout the day from NRG Stadium.

Stroud has season-high 318 yards passing with two TDs to lead the Texans over the 49ers 26-15

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is congratulated by teammates Aireontae Ersery (79) and Tytus Howard (71) after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Houston. Credit: AP/Eric Christian Smith
Houston Texans

Fairbairn's third FG of first half puts Houston up 16 points

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz collects quarterback C.J. Stroud's outlet pass for a 17-yard catch-and-run gain against the San Francisco 49ers. Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson races down the sideline following a dime over the middle from quarterback C.J. Stroud against the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers vs. Texans: Where to watch NFL Week 8, betting odds, score prediction, promos for CJ Stroud vs Mac Jones

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the Texans are 2.5-point favorites, according to the latest 49ers vs. Texans odds. The over/under for total points scored is 42. The Texans are -151 money line favorites (risk $151 to win $100),
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