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Dateline: Oct. 26, 2025 — Houston, TX Opening surge: 49ers eye first place in NFC West Fresh off a dominant Sunday-night win over Atlanta, the San Francisco 49ers (5-2) arrive at NRG Stadium with a chance to seize sole possession of the division lead when they face the Houston Texans (2-4) in Week 8. A victory would push Kyle Shanahan’s club a half-game clear of both the Rams and Seahawks, who are idle ahead of their Monday clash. Injury report reshapes game plan San Francisco will be without starting quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) and center Jake Brendel, all declared inactive early Sunday morning. Defensive end Bryce Huff (ankle) also sits, while cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (quadricep) got the green light after a limited Friday practice. With Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones makes his second start in three weeks, leaning heavily on Christian McCaffrey, who erupted for 201 yards from scrimmage a week ago. Rookie spotlight: Jordan Watkins debuts Second-round receiver Jordan Watkins is active for the first time this season, giving Jones a new vertical threat opposite veteran Kendrick Bourne. Watkins’ 4.33-speed could be a key counterpunch against a Texans defense ranked 28th versus passes of 20-plus yards. Key matchups to watch • McCaffrey vs. LB Christian Harris — Houston yields 4.9 ypc; McCaffrey seeks fourth straight 100-yard rushing day. • LT Trent Williams vs. DE Will Anderson Jr. — Williams hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 2; Anderson owns 31 pressures, eighth-best in the league. • CB Charvarius Ward vs. WR Dalton Dell — The rookie slot star leads Houston with five TDs; Ward’s 44.1% completion rate against is third among qualified corners. Playoff math already looming San Francisco currently holds the NFC’s top wild-card spot, but Football Power Index projects a 72% chance to win the West with a road win Sunday; that number drops to 48% with a loss. Conversely, the Texans could climb within a game of first in the AFC South, thanks to Tennessee’s bye and Jacksonville’s Thursday defeat. Betting lines & weather Oddsmakers opened the 49ers as 6.5-point favorites; the line tightened to 4.5 after Purdy’s downgrade. The total sits at 45. Weather calls for 79 °F and a closed roof, ensuring fast track conditions. What they’re saying • Kyle Shanahan on Mac Jones: “Mac’s decisiveness allows us to keep our tempo identical to Brock’s.” • Deommodore Lenoir: “I’m playing, no pitch count. Time to lock up.” • Texans coach DeMeco Ryans: “Facing my old team is emotional, but I know their tells.” Stat you need San Francisco leads the NFL in yards after catch (YAC) per reception at 6.9; Houston’s defense ranks 31st in YAC allowed. Kickoff & broadcast Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT/3:05 p.m. CT on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen on the call. A live stream is available via NFL+ and the FOX Sports app. Bottom line Even with Purdy sidelined, the 49ers’ balanced roster, red-hot McCaffrey and opportunistic defense make them favorites. If Mac Jones limits turnovers and Watkins provides a spark, San Francisco could exit Houston atop the NFC West and right back in the Super Bowl conversation.