Cincinnati Bengals 20, Houston Texans 6
September 20, 2026 — Houston
The Cincinnati Bengals continued their strong start to the 2026 season Sunday, traveling to Houston and defeating the Texans 20-6 behind a timely passing attack from Joe Burrow, two touchdown catches from Ja’Marr Chase and a defense that repeatedly came up with answers in key situations.
The victory moved Cincinnati to 2-0, while Houston fell to 0-2.
Chase Makes His Presence Felt
After being held to only two catches for 12 yards in Cincinnati’s season-opening victory, Ja’Marr Chase quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous receivers.
Chase finished with seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
His first touchdown was the game’s biggest highlight. With just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter, Chase made an outstanding 32-yard touchdown catch, managing to keep his toe in bounds as he completed the spectacular grab against Derek Stingley Jr.
Burrow later found Chase for an 18-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving Cincinnati control of the game.
Burrow Does Enough
Joe Burrow didn’t need to put together a massive statistical performance.
He completed 20 of 31 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.
More importantly, Burrow protected the football and made the throws Cincinnati needed when opportunities appeared.
Tee Higgins also provided a significant contribution, catching five passes for 95 yards, including several important receptions that kept Cincinnati’s offense moving.
Bengals Defense Wins the Battle
The most impressive part of Cincinnati’s performance may have been its defense.
Houston finished with more total yards, but the Texans repeatedly struggled to turn those opportunities into touchdowns. C.J. Stroud threw for 353 yards, but Houston managed only six points.
The Bengals also came up with several critical stops.
One particularly important sequence came when defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence stuffed David Montgomery on fourth-and-inches from the Cincinnati 18-yard line, ending a promising Houston possession without points.
Cincinnati’s pass rush then finished the game strongly, with sacks of Stroud on Houston’s final possession.
Texans Move the Ball—but Can’t Finish
Houston’s offense generated plenty of yardage but struggled badly in the red zone.
Stroud completed 30 of 55 passes for 353 yards, while tight end Dalton Schultz had a career-best statistical afternoon with 12 catches for 140 yards.
But the Texans couldn’t turn that production into touchdowns.
Houston also played without star receiver Nico Collins, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Texans had other opportunities slip away, including a fumbled snap on an early field-goal attempt.
McPherson Provides the Finishing Touch
Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson also played an important role.
He connected on field goals of 51 and 57 yards, giving the Bengals valuable points while the offense worked through Houston’s pressure.
The 57-yarder early in the fourth quarter extended Cincinnati’s advantage to 20-6 and effectively put the game out of reach.
A Complete Road Performance
The Bengals didn’t dominate statistically.
Houston actually finished with 374 total yards compared with Cincinnati’s 267.
But Cincinnati controlled the moments that mattered.
The Bengals avoided turnovers, hit explosive plays when they needed them, got key stops in the red zone and took advantage of their opportunities in the passing game.
That combination allowed Cincinnati to leave Houston with a convincing road victory.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals are now 2-0 for the second consecutive season, and Sunday offered another indication that this team can win in different ways.
Burrow and Chase provided the biggest offensive plays.
Higgins delivered a strong supporting performance.
The defense consistently prevented Houston’s yardage from becoming points.
For the Texans, the 0-2 start is more concerning because Sunday’s loss came despite moving the ball effectively. The inability to finish drives and the absence of Nico Collins made life considerably more difficult for Stroud and the offense.
Cincinnati now turns its attention to an AFC North matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday, while Houston will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts.
Game Highlights
- Final Score: Bengals 20, Texans 6
- Bengals Record: 2-0
- Texans Record: 0-2
- Joe Burrow: 20/31, 207 yards, 2 TD
- Ja’Marr Chase: 7 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TD
- Tee Higgins: 5 receptions, 95 yards
- Chase Brown: 20 carries, 80 yards
- C.J. Stroud: 30/55, 353 yards
- Dalton Schultz: 12 receptions, 140 yards
- Key Moment: Dexter Lawrence’s fourth-down stop
- Biggest Play: Chase’s 32-yard touchdown catch
- Next for Cincinnati: at Pittsburgh
- Next for Houston: at Indianapolis
