The Houston Texans fell 14-9 to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in their 2025 season opener, a game marked by red-zone struggles and costly mistakes that kept Houston winless to start the year.

In the second quarter, C.J. Stroud engineered a two-minute drill, scrambling 14 yards to set up a 53-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn that gave the Texans a 9-7 lead at halftime.

But Houston committed a total of 11 penalties for 80 yards and failed to convert on 7 of 9 third down attempts.

Despite holding the edge in time of possession, wide receiver Nico Collins was limited to 25 yards against tough Rams coverage and the Texans just couldn’t push into the ene zone.

Stroud finished 19-of-27 for 188 yards with one interception. On the final drive, he led a promising 47-yard two-minute effort but Houston backup running back Dare Ogunbowale fumbled at the 18-yard line, sealing the Rams’ win.

After the game, Stroud was pointed about what went wrong: “We didn’t deserve to win that game, because we didn’t do the right things. … When you come out in the NFL lollygagging and going through the motions, that’s what happens. … I think this will be a good wake-up call for us.”

Head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the need for greater discipline: “We’ve got to control avoidable mistakes.” He also praised Stroud’s handling of pressure, saying, “I thought C.J. managed the offense well, made some nice throws, unfortunately, we came up short.”

The Rams sprang wide receiver Puka Nacua, who caught 10 passes for 130 yards, and also celebrated a milestone as quarterback Matthew Stafford eclipsed 60,000 career passing yards. Stafford threw for 245 yards and a touchdown.

Houston’s offensive issues under new coordinator Nick Caley—especially in the red zone—mirrored concerns from late last season. Still, glimpses of potential emerged, including a 60-yard effort by Nick Chubb and well-executed two-minute drills.

Houston will host Tampa Bay in a Monday night matchup next week.