Bengals vs. Texans Injury Report, Preview, Watch To Watch For Ft. Joe Burrow & Ja'Marr Chase

The Bengals head to Houston this Sunday with a chance to open the 2026 season 2-0, but the Texans present a much different challenge than Tampa Bay did in Week 1. Cincinnati escaped the Buccaneers 33-27, while Houston opened its season with a 36-31 loss to Buffalo.

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From the Bengals’ perspective, the biggest storyline is Joe Burrow and the passing game. Burrow threw for 254 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay, and Houston’s secondary showed some vulnerability in Week 1, allowing Buffalo to throw for 323 yards. Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter were targeted frequently, while safety Reed Blankenship also gave up significant yardage.

Cincinnati will also need to deal with Houston’s pass rush. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for 27 sacks last season, although neither had a sack against Buffalo. The Bengals' offensive line therefore faces an important early test, particularly if Houston can generate pressure without sending extra rushers.

On defense, Cincinnati has an opportunity to make life uncomfortable for C.J. Stroud. He threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, but he also lost two fumbles, both of which became turnovers. Cincinnati enters Sunday with a +3 turnover differential, tied for the league lead after one game.

Houston’s running game deserves attention, too. David Montgomery scored three touchdowns against Buffalo and handled 23 touches, while the Texans generated several explosive runs.

There is also uncertainty surrounding both teams’ stars. Burrow was limited in practice with a back issue, while Houston receiver Nico Collins missed Thursday’s practice with a hamstring injury.

For Cincinnati, this is an early opportunity to prove that Week 1 was more than a promising start: protect Burrow, create pressure on Stroud, and avoid giving Houston short fields. Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.

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