Houston Texans’ Rookie Sensation C.J. Stroud Orchestrates Last-Second Win, Ignites Playoff Hopes

Baltimore—The Houston Texans are seizing momentum in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, taking a 10-3 lead over the Baltimore Ravens midway through the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans’ club, 1-3 entering Sunday, is riding a sharp start from quarterback C.J. Stroud and an opportunistic defense as they chase a much-needed road win that could jolt the AFC South race. Early fireworks from Stroud • Stroud opened the scoring with a precise 5-yard touchdown strike to second-year wideout Xavier Hutchinson, capping a 10-play, 67-yard march that burned 5:36 off the clock. • Through two drives, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist was 9-of-11 for 85 yards and the score, adding 30 rushing yards on a designed keeper that kept Baltimore’s front honest. • Veteran tight end Dalton Schultz continues to be Stroud’s safety valve, hauling in three early receptions for 32 yards. Defense bends, doesn’t break Baltimore, playing without former MVP Lamar Jackson (hamstring), has turned to backup Cooper Rush. Houston’s front seven—anchored by Will Anderson Jr. and free-agent pickup Mario Edwards Jr.—limited star running back Derrick Henry to just eight yards on six carries in the opening quarter. The Ravens’ lone points came via a 27-yard Tyler Loop field goal after a red-zone stand stalled Rush’s best drive. Special-teams edge Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled a 50-yard field goal to extend the advantage, a critical cushion against a Ravens defense that still boasts All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton despite the unit’s injury woes. What’s at stake A victory would move Houston to 2-3 and, depending on later results, potentially pull them within a game of first place in the tightly packed AFC South. It would also snap the franchise’s six-game skid against Baltimore dating back to 2014. For the Ravens, dropping to 1-4 could create an early, steep hill in the competitive AFC North. Key injuries to monitor • Texans LB Christian Harris (coach’s decision) is inactive, pressing rookie Darius Muasau into nickel snaps. • Baltimore is also missing LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and FB Patrick Ricard (calf), further stressing their run game. Looking ahead The Texans return home in Week 6 to host the Indianapolis Colts, while Baltimore hits the road to face Pittsburgh. If Stroud’s command continues, Houston could ride this performance into a season-altering October surge. Search-friendly takeaway Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens live updates: Stroud touchdown, Fairbairn 50-yarder give Texans 10-3 edge in NFL Week 5 as playoff hopes stay alive.