Bengals stymie Texans 20-6 as Houston drops first two games again
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Houston Texans 20-6 in a Week 2 NFL matchup, moving to a 2-0 record. The game was defined by strong defensive play from Cincinnati and offensive struggles for Houston, who remain winless.
Why it matters
The result impacts early-season NFL standings and highlights the performance of key players like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.
The Bengals defense is not the same defense as last season.
The Texans were 0-for-4 in the red zone, with their only points coming on two field goals, and the Bengals won 20-6.
Cincinnati ran its record to 2-0 in 2026, only the third time in its history that it has started 2-0. Houston lost its first two games for a second consecutive season. The Texans rallied from an 0-3 start last season to make the playoffs.
The Bengals sacked C.J. Stroud four times, with Cedric Johnson getting two and Jonathan Allen and Shemar Stewart each getting one. The Texans were 5-of-17 on third down and 0-for-4 on fourth down, and they gained only 60 yards on 18 carries as prize offseason acquisition David Montgomery ran for 10 yards on six carries.
Stroud led the Texans in rushing 29 yards on three carries.
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