The Houston Texans secured a 20-12 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second preseason game on Friday, showcasing several starters, including quarterback C.J. Stroud and newly acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The game took place at Acrisure Stadium and was broadcast on ABC13, the exclusive home for the Texans during the preseason.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that most of the team’s starters participated in the matchup, which highlighted a battle between two promising quarterbacks. Stroud, who enjoyed a remarkable rookie season, went up against Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, the former No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Fields earned the starting position with Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury.
The Steelers recently acquired both Fields and Wilson during the offseason and are working to determine who will lead the team as they transition away from the Ben Roethlisberger era.
Stroud’s appearance marks his first since the Texans’ playoff exit in January, where they lost to the Ravens and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson in the AFC Divisional Round. Many analysts anticipate that Stroud could have an MVP-worthy season as he leads his restructured team, which is seen as a possible Super Bowl contender.
Fans were particularly excited to see Diggs make his debut following his trade to Houston in April, adding to heightened expectations for the franchise. With a revitalized roster that includes running back Joe Mixon and impactful defenders like edge rusher Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the Texans are aiming for a strong Super Bowl run.
Currently, ESPN Bet places the Texans as having the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl, listed at +1600. The team will return to action for their next preseason game against the New York Giants on Saturday, August 17, at noon.