Houston Texans Enter Bye Week Following Home Win over New Orleans Saints

Will the Houston Texans score enough points against one of the league's top defensive teams, the New Orleans Saints?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will welcome the New Orleans Saints for a Week 6 contest at NRG Stadium. The Texans will attempt to even their record (2-3) before their Week 7 bye, but trying to generate points against the Saints' defense will be a stiff challenge.

The Saints hold the league's fourth-best defense, giving up an average of 274.9 yards while allowing 15.2 points. New Orleans' defensive line has registered 11 sacks. Carl Granderson leads the team with 3.5 sacks.

"I definitely think they’re a top-five defense all-around," quarterback C.J. Stroud said. "Run game, pass game, they do everything really well. They play as one. You can tell they play as one unit. We’ve got to be on our A-game. Definitely a great defense."

The Saints are coming off their best defensive performance in a 34-0 shutout win over the New England Patriots. They held the Patriots to a season-low 156 yards while forcing three takeaways.

Sunday's contest will mark the sixth meeting between the two franchises. Since 2002, the Texans are 2-3 all-time against the Saints. Houston's best victory came in November 2015 with a 24-6 home victory.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) calls for the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Caesars Superdome / Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT: New Orleans Saints (3-2) at Houston Texans (2-3)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas (71,995)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, 12 p.m. CT

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) | 100.3 The Bull

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Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Texans +1.5

Live game updates will appear here after kickoff.

1st quarter:

The Texans received the ball first and recorded 39 yards in seven plays. The offensive line gave up three pressures in the first offensive series of the day.

Punt

Derek Carr found running back Alvin Kamara for a gain of 15 yards. Three plays later, Kamara rushed for 14 yards to set the Saints deep within the Texans' territory. Houston's defense added three consecutive stops, which led to kicker Blake Grupe missing a 52-yard field goal. 

Missed Field Goal

The second series of the day began with Stroud throwing his first career interception. Saints linebacker Zach Baun was the recipient, but wide receiver Nico Collins forced a fumble. The Texans would record 59 yards in six plays, which led to a one-yard touchdown pass between Stroud and Dalton Schultz. 

Texans 7, Saints 0

The Saints recorded their first touchdown with a 34-yard pass between Derek Carr and running back Kendre Miller. Miller's touchdown was a part of the Saints' offensive drive, where New Orleans recorded 75 yards in nine plays.

Texans 7, Saints 7

End of 1st

2nd Quarter:

The Texans were able to get into the Saints' territory by registering 70 yards in 11 plays. Houston's offense received a significant gain between Stroud and Collins for 24 yards. The drive ended with a 24-yard field goal made by Ka'imi Fairbairn.

Texans 10, Saints 7

Three and out for the Saints.

Punt

The Texans began the series with a 28-yard completion between Stroud and Collins. Following the pass attempt, the Texans called eight consecutive rushes, which led to 35 yards on the ground. The drive ended with Stroud finding wide receiver Robert Woods for a six-yard touchdown.

Texans 17, Saints 7

The Saints were able to record 51 yards in a dozen plays. But despite getting deep into the Texans' territory, Houston held New Orleans to a 48-yard field goal. 

Texans 17, Saints 10

End of 2nd Quarter/Halftime

3rd Quarter:

Three-and-out for the Saints. 

Punt

Three-and-out for the Texans

Punt

Three-and-out for the Saints.

Punt

The Texans began their latest drive with a 31-yard gain between Stroud and Schultz. A pass interference call made by Marshon Lattimore put the Texans on 1st-and-goal. Unfortunately, the Texans could only come away with a 22-yard field goal.

Texans 20, Saints 10

The Saints recorded 48 yards in nine plays during their latest offensive drive. Despite giving up a 45-yard field goal, the Texans' defense made three consecutive stops to prevent the Saints from finding the end zone. Sheldon Rankins recorded an 11-yard sack on Carr.

Texans 20, Saints 13

Three-and-out for the Texans.

Punt

The Saints' latest drive was a near repeat of their last series. They made plays to get deep inside the Texans' territory. But Grupe missed his second field goal of the game.

Missed Field Goal

The Texans only recorded 27 yards in five plays. The drive ended with Stroud receiving a 10-yard sack. 

Punt

Carr found wide receiver Rashid Shaheed for a 51-yard reception. The Saints got deep into the Texans' territory again but could not capitalize. Shaq Griffin's tackle on Kamara forced a turnover on down.

Turnover on down

The Texans recorded 35 yards in five plays.

Punt

The Saints took over on their own 15-yard line. A pass interference call made by Griffin set the Saints on Houston's 48-yard line. The Saints were able to move the ball 24 more yards, but the Texans made four consecutive stops. Steven Nelson ended the game with his third interception of the season.

Turnover 

End of Game 

Texans 20, Saints 13