Houston Texans vs. San Francisco 49ers preview: Date, kick-off time, news, prediction and how to watch the NFL on DAZN

The 49ers (5-2) will be without Brock Purdy, leaving Mac Jones in charge. He started the year well, but has thrown zero touchdowns and three picks in his last two starts.

Christian McCaffrey remains the focal point of the offense, highlighted by his 200-plus yards and two scores last week. If the dual-threat dynamo gets going in this one, watch out!

George Kittle played in San Francisco's win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he was held without a catch, Juan Jennings only had four, and Kendrick Bourne two. Expect that to change in this contest, especially if Ricky Pearsall remains sidelined.

For a defense lacking Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, San Francisco's defense did exceptionally well to contain the Falcons in Week 7. Whether Bryce Huff, Dee Winters, and Co. can repeat that performance against Houston's offense may prove the difference in this game.

The Texans' (2-5) offensive hopes are pinned on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who, after having his best game of the season before the team's bye, disappointed in the Texans' loss to the Seahawks last week.

It didn't help, of course, that he was pressured throughout and was without his top two targets, Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Collins seems likely to miss this game as he works his way through the concussion protocol.

If one or both miss this clash, expect tight end Dalton Schultz, rookie receiver Jaylin Noel, and possibly Jayden Higgins to feature more prominently. 

At running back, Houston continues to fade Nick Chubb in favour of Woody Marks. That trend should continue even though Marks has been bottled up since his breakout game in Week 4.

Defensively, keep a watchful eye for the Texans' pass rush. They rank fourth in the league with 49 sacks, thanks largely to Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. They could make life miserable for 49ers' QB Jones.

Date and Time

• Sunday, October 26, 2025

• 5:00pm GMT / 12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT

Where is the game played?

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara (CA)

All-time series record

These two teams have only met five times, and the 49ers lead the series 4-1-0. Houston's only win came in 2009.

Prediction

The Texans' defense is excellent, ranking among the top five in passing and rushing yardage allowed. Can they keep that going and contain McCaffrey and Kittle? Can they stop Jennings on third downs?

If they can, if Stroud plays better than he has most of the season, and if their offensive line can help Marks get to the next level, the Texans can win this.

But that's a lot of ifs, and the likelihood of all three hitting seems low. At home, the 49ers take this one.

Houston Texans 17 - 30 San Francisco 49ers

How to watch Houston Texans vs. San Francisco 49ers on DAZN

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