Week 2 brings an intriguing AFC matchup to Houston, where the Texans will look to bounce back from a wild 36-31 loss to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters at 1-0 after surviving Tampa Bay, but the Bengals will need much more from their star receivers to leave Houston with another win.
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were quiet in Cincinnati's Week 1 victory, and the challenge gets even tougher against DeMeco Ryans' defense. Houston's defense, despite entering the season with enormous expectations after finishing 2025 as the NFL's top unit in yards allowed, struggled to get off the field against Buffalo. The Bills piled up 409 yards, while Allen accounted for four touchdowns in the shootout.
The Texans did, however, find
plenty of offense of their own, with David Montgomery making an immediate impact in his Houston debut. Montgomery scored three touchdowns, including two rushing scores and a receiving touchdown, giving C.J. Stroud another physical weapon in the backfield. Still, Cincinnati's revamped defense could present a much different challenge.
The Bengals made significant offseason investments, adding defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Boye Mafe, among others. That revamped front showed encouraging signs in Week 1 and will be tasked with slowing Montgomery while pressuring Stroud. This matchup could ultimately come down to whether Houston's defense rebounds and whether Cincinnati's revamped front can keep Montgomery from controlling the game.
With both teams showing explosive potential in Week 1, expect another competitive AFC battle with plenty of star power on both sides.
Bengals at Texans live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Texans -2.5
- Moneyline: Texans -135; Bengals +140
- Over/Under: 45.5
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Bengals at Texans picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Bengals +2.5
If this line reaches a field goal, keep in mind Joe Burrow is 19-4 ATS when closing as an underdog of at least three points. C.J. Stroud, meanwhile, is 0-7 ATS in Weeks 1 and 2. Burrow has had his own early-season struggles, but I think the wrong team is favored. I'm fine taking the points. Frankly, Cincinnati on the moneyline is even more enticing. The Bengals forced four turnovers against the Buccaneers and won 33-27 despite Ja'Marr Chase catching just two passes for 12 yards. Yes, a defensive touchdown helped get them to 33. But the Texans' supposed championship-caliber defense also gave up 36 to the Bills at home, and Nico Collins' hamstring injury could leave Stroud without his top target. I'll take Burrow in the upset.
Tom Viera: Bengals +2.5
The Bengals are worth taking at +3 on the road against Houston. The Texans' linebacker room is taking a hit, with Henry To'oTo'o expected to miss time and Jake Hummel dealing with a groin injury. That could create opportunities for Cincinnati's offense, especially after Buffalo exposed some weaknesses in Houston's defense producing 409 yards and 36 points. Cincinnati's defense also looked noticeably improved in Week 1, forcing four turnovers. With Joe Burrow and company capable of moving the ball, expect the Bengals to keep this game within a field goal.
Nick Brinkerhoff: Texans -2.5
Joe Burrow is dealing with a back injury, which can probably be attributed to carrying this Bengals franchise for years. Ja'Marr Chase is on the side of a milk carton and, despite all of that, the Bengals are 1-0. Unfortunately for them, it'll be 1-1 after Week 2, when the Texans defense locks in and shuts the door – reminding everyone of who they are. David Montgomery has proven to be a difference-maker for the Texans' offense, which will look to avoid starting 0-2 for a second-straight season. Lay the points.
Blake Schuster: Bengals +2.5
Nico Collins' absence in this one changes everything about the Texans' offense for me. His big play abilty forces defenses to shade over to the wideout's side of the field and I'm just not sure Houston has the personnel to account for that kind of loss. The Bengals, meanwhile, put up 33 points in their opener and that was without Ja'Marr Chase doing, well and anything. Cincinnati rolls in this one and ruins their early season demons narrative.
Where to watch Bengals at Texans
- Matchup: Texans vs. Bengals
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Venue: Reliant Stadium
- Location: Houston, Texas
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 2 Sunday picks, predictions, odds
- Saints at Ravens
- Vikings at Bears
- Packers at Jets
- Panthers at Falcons
- Bengals at Texans
- Steelers at Patriots
- Eagles at Titans
- Browns at Buccaneers
- Dolphins at 49ers
- Jaguars at Broncos
- Commanders at Cowboys
- Seahawks at Cardinals
- Raiders at Chargers
- Colts at Chiefs
Super Bowl 61 updated odds
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texans vs Bengals spread predictions, odds for NFL Week 2 game
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