The Houston Texans are one of five NFL teams still seeking their first win of the 2026 season. Smith feels they need to snap their skid this weekend. Houston began the season as contenders after a playoff bid, but DeMeco Ryans' squad is 0-3 entering Sunday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith underscored the importance of their Week 4 matchup on Wednesday's "First Take." "Their season is on the line. Houston cannot afford to lose this game," Smith said. 'They can't afford to fall to 0-4. Not with the Jaguars looking the way that it's looking.
Not with Indy being as capable as they are, despite their struggles. You can't afford to go to 0-4 if you're the Houston Texans. There's no way around it.
If anybody should be desperate, it's them." Smith noted that a prolific Texans defense has not played up to expectations so far. They're 16th in yards allowed after leading the league in total defense last season. However, Smith also needs to see more from the offense.
Houston followed a 34-31 shootout loss to the Buffalo Bills with a 20-6 home shortcoming against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans then tallied 223 yards in a 19-17 loss to the Colts, failing to capitalize on three forced turnovers. Stroud hasn't thrown an interception this season, but the quarterback is averaging a modest 6.6 yards per pass attempt.
Smith doesn't feel the 24-year-old is doing enough to justify a massive extension. Stroud is in a contract year. He's not showing that he's worthy of the bag that he covets right now," Smith claimed.
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