The Bengals will look to take advantage of a Texans defense that has already been plagued by injuries when they travel to Houston in Week 2.
The Cincinnati Bengals will look to move to 2-0 when they travel to Houston to take on the Texans in Week 2. Cincinnati is coming off a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Houston enters the matchup at 0-1 after falling 36-31 to the Buffalo Bills in its season opener.
The Bengals’ offense had a strong showing against Tampa Bay, but it did not have to carry the team for the entire afternoon. Cincinnati’s defense forced four turnovers, giving Joe Burrow and the offense extra opportunities while helping the Bengals hold on for the six-point victory.
Now, Cincinnati will face a Houston defense that entered the season with plenty of expectations.
The Texans were widely viewed as one of the NFL’s top defensive units heading into 2026. Houston finished the 2025 season with the fewest yards allowed in the NFL, and the unit was ranked among the league’s top defenses entering this season.
However, injuries have quickly created some problems for DeMeco Ryans’ defense, particularly at linebacker.
Henry To’oTo’o suffered a shoulder injury in the Texans’ Week 1 loss and has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with Cincinnati. To’oTo’o’s absence comes after E.J. Speed was already sidelined with a quad injury. The Texans could also be without Jake Hummel, who suffered a groin injury against Buffalo and is listed as doubtful for Week 2.
That leaves Houston with some inexperienced options behind its healthy starters. Azeez Al-Shaair remains an important piece of the group, but the Texans could rely on rookies Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher for increased roles against Cincinnati.
The injuries are especially notable after Buffalo exposed some weaknesses in the middle of Houston’s defense. The Bills finished with 409 total yards, while tight end Dalton Kincaid had 130 receiving yards against the Texans.
That could give Cincinnati an opportunity to attack an area that has suddenly become vulnerable.
The Bengals’ offense did not need to do everything against Tampa Bay because the defense consistently created opportunities. That could be different in Houston. Cincinnati will need to take advantage of Houston’s injuries and find ways to pressure the Texans’ linebackers in coverage and in the run game.
With Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading the offense, Cincinnati has the personnel to test a Texans defense that may not have its usual depth.
If the Bengals want to leave Houston with a 2-0 record, taking advantage of those opportunities could be a major part of the equation.
