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.

“Played amazing, man,” said wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who caught five passes for 69 yards and one touchdown on a well-timed, 30-yard pass in the third quarter that boosted the Texans’ lead to 23-7. “That’s what 7 is like. You can say whatever you want about C.J., but when you need him the most, man, he’s gonna show up.

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.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud rips a 44-yard deep crossing-route pass to wide receiver Jaylin Noel against the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite missing his favorite target, C.J. Stroud arguably looked the most comfortable he's been in in a Texans uniform.

Jaylin Noel, the Texans' third-round pick and primary punt returner, hauled in a 44-yard pass to set up Houston deep into San Francisco territory. He's been the most explosive receiver this season outside of Collins through the last three games.

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

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