The Houston Texans are on a short week after a loss in Seattle on Monday night and face another NFC West foe in the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8.
Houston couldn’t take advantage of four turnovers on MNF, but my early 49ers vs. Texans predictions believe that elite defense will make a difference on Sunday.
Here are my early NFL picks for October 26.
Want to make sure Covers shows up often in your Google search results and Discover feed?
Simply click here and add Covers as one of your "source preferences".
49ers vs Texans predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early 49ers vs Texans spread pick: Texans +1.5
The look-ahead line for this game has the San Francisco 49ers as 1.5-point road dogs. But after a punchless effort from the Houston Texans' offense on Monday Night Football, this spread reopened with the Niners laying -1.5 on the road.
All eyes are on Purdy, who is still very much a question mark for Week 8. He’s doing more in practice with this game circled as his potential return, but the QB isn’t making the progress he’d hoped for after missing the past three games with turf toe.
The Texans' defense remains one of the elite units in the NFL. Houston had four takeaways while holding Seattle to 4.7 yards per play and 2-for-14 success on third down on MNF.
The stop unit is going to keep the Texans in just about every game, but they need a little help from the offense.
Houston does come back to NRG Stadium, where it’s played just twice so far in 2025. Quarterback C.J. Stroud sees a significant jump in his production on the indoor fast track in Houston, and this 49ers defense is missing plenty of key players.
With the Niners QB situation still up in the air, I’ll give the nod to the home dog with a top-tier defense.
Early 49ers vs Texans total pick: Under 41.5
As mentioned, this Texans defense continues to play at a very high level. Houston ranks Top 5 in several advanced metrics, including EPA allowed per play, Defensive DVOA, and PFF defensive rating.
San Francisco’s offense is getting healthier, recently returning standout tight end George Kittle and hoping to have WR Ricky Pearsall on the field in Week 8.
That said, backup QB Mac Jones isn’t much of a threat beyond the sticks (tied for eighth fewest intended air yards per attempt) and Kyle Shanahan’s pre-snap motion playbook chews up play clock, leaving San Francisco to run the second-lowest no-huddle rate in the league.
The Texans' offense could be down top WR Nico Collins, who left Week 7 with a concussion and now has a short week to get cleared for Sunday's tilt.
This total sits on the other side of the key number of 41 points, and we have two limited offenses and one really good defense. I’ll lean Under 41.5.
49ers vs Texans odds
- 49ers vs. Texans spread: Texans +1.5
- 49ers vs. Texans moneyline: 49ers -135, Texans +105
- 49ers vs. Texans Over/Under: 41.5
How to watch 49ers vs Texans
- 49ers vs. Texans matchup
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Houston, TX
- Venue: NRG Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
