Without Nico Collins or Christian Kirk in the lineup, quarterback C.J. Stroud logged a completion to nine different pass-catchers on the day for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. It came out to be one of his and the offense's best performances of the season so far, and of course, led to a winning effort.

H OUSTON -- According to C.J. Stroud, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when he's dealing. And against the San Francisco 49ers, Stroud delivered what coach DeMeco Ryans called one of Stroud's "best games ever" in the Houston Texans ' 26-15 win Sunday.

After the Texans beat the 49ers, DeMeco Ryans would shout out quarterback C.J. Stroud, citing one of his best games ever.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are on the right side of a critical update before facing the Denver Broncos.

C.J. Stroud is having a day and he has the Iowa State trio to thank for it. The Houston Texans are up 23-7 after Stroud connected with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson for a 19-yard score in the third quarter, capping off a 12-play, 94-yard drive while taking nearly six minutes off the clock.

One of Stroud's biggest flaws is his tendency to retreat backwards out of muddy pockets, making bad plays worse. Last year, only Aidan O'Connell, Anthony Richardson and Bo Nix averaged more yards lost per sack. This year, he is dead last in the category at 9.3 yards lost per sack.

C.J. Stroud delivered in a big way for the Houston Texans against the San Francisco 49ers and spoke candidly afterward.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud tiptoes up the sideline on a 13-yard scramble against the San Francisco 49ers.

Instead of having to settle for another field goal, C.J, Stroud and Xavier Hutchinson hooked up to put the 49ers in a deeper hole.