In a decisive Week 8 matchup, the Houston Texans topped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-13, solidifying their position in the playoff race. The Texans showcased their offensive prowess, delivering a performance that left the Buccaneers struggling to keep pace. C.J. Stroud excelled for Houston, throwing for two touchdowns and leading the team with precision, while Woody Marks added 83 rushing yards to keep the ground game effective. Nico Collins emerged as a key target, racking up 100 receiving yards and proving to be a reliable option in critical moments. Gardner Minshew kept the Bucs competitive with 225 passing yards, but it wasn’t enough to change the tide. Defensively, the Texans were relentless, with Danielle Hunter registering an impressive 2.5 sacks, disrupting Minshew’s rhythm throughout the game. Kamari Lassiter's interception served as a pivotal moment, halting a Buccaneers drive and swinging momentum firmly in Houston's favor. The combination of a stout defensive effort and explosive offense allowed the Texans to control the contest from start to finish.