CJ Stroud has an abundance of weapons around him in his second season with the Texans. He found one of those talents particularly useful in Houston’s 19-13 win over the Bears on Sunday night in Week 2.
Nico Collins had a superb first half against Chicago. The former Michigan player displayed impressive route-running ability, decisive speed and unwavering tenacity, proving to be both fiery and ice-cold for a Texans team that improved to 2-0 without a single mistake.
Here’s a look at Collins’ numbers Sunday night, another brilliant performance in an increasingly numbers-filled slate for the Pinson, Alabama native.
Nico Collins stats today vs the Bears
Final score: Texans 19, Bears 13
| Statistical | Total |
| Goals | 10 |
| Receptions | 8 |
| Yards | 135 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
Collins impressed in the first half of Sunday night’s game, repeatedly emerging into space to provide a safety blanket for CJ Stroud. The fourth-year wide receiver caught a 28-yard touchdown pass to spark his impressive display. He followed that with an acrobatic one-handed catch along the sideline that helped the Texans make three more points on a long Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal late in the half.
It all added up to an 86-yard, five-reception first half, his third-most productive half since joining the league (in terms of receiving yards). In a WR room that includes Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, Collins was the standout. It was his production, combined with Stroud’s, that helped Houston build a six-point advantage in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Collins continued his strong play in the second inning, stringing together three more receptions to finish the day with eight receptions and 135 yards. Collins recorded his third-highest single-game reception total and fifth-highest receiving yards total on a night unlike any other at NRG Stadium.
Nico Collins Highlights vs. Bears
Collins had a few standout moments in Sunday night’s game. He first caught the cameras’ attention with a 28-yard touchdown run, weaving through the secondary after taking a dart from Stroud by the inch. He finished the move with aplomb, even pushing his marker as he crossed the plane.
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE ?
?: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/a7NDy99piP
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 16, 2024
Collins continued to take hits as the first half wore on. The 25-year-old captivated the crowd with a one-handed catch in front of Kevin Byard as the first half neared its end.
IT’S A TRAP ‼️
?: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/tlx0Gc5nHq
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 16, 2024
The setback brought Houston to the Chicago 36-yard line with 17 seconds left on the clock. Three plays later, Fairbairn’s 59-yard attempt found its mark, doubling the Texans’ lead — and reaffirming Collins’ influence on the team’s scoring ability.
After a strong second half (Collins racked up three more receptions for 49 yards in the final 30 minutes of the game), Collins received the ultimate reward. Not only did his team come away with a memorable victory, but Collins also received player of the game honors.
“This one’s for the city. H-Town, let’s go!”@lbg_nico7 | @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/4vruSEVu5R
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
It was the first time he received a match ball. It probably won’t be the last.
