Bengals Stun Texans 24–21 in Regulation Upset

HOUSTON, TX — In a seismic Week 17 shocker, the 7–9 Cincinnati Bengals toppled the previously unbeaten Texans, 24–21, when Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 30-yard attempt clanged off the left upright as the clock hit zero. What had felt like another dominant Houston afternoon turned into a triumph of poise and grit for Cincinnati.

Game Recap

Cincinnati seized control early. On their opening drive, Joe Burrow dropped back and delivered a perfect strike to Isaiah Likely in the flat, who fought through contact for a 3-yard touchdown. “We wanted to set the tone and show we weren’t intimidated,” Burrow said. “Credit to our line and to Isaiah for hauling it in.”

The Bengals doubled their lead just before halftime on an 87-yard bomb from Burrow to Tee Higgins. After the half, Houston roared back behind a 1-yard plunge by Mike Sampson. “We saw a crease and I just hit it,” Sampson smiled. But Cincinnati answered on the very next drive, as Burrow carved through coverage and found Likely again for a 14-yard score that left the crowd stunned.

Down 21–17 entering the fourth quarter, Houston leaned on their rookie star C.J. Stroud. Stroud led a 75-yard march capped by another goal-line plunge from Glenn Wimbley. “We believed we’d get that last drive,” Stroud said. But with under a minute remaining, Evan McPherson’s 48-yard field goal restored Cincinnati’s three-point edge.

Houston mounted one final charge, reaching the 13-yard line before head coach Sean Guyen dialed up the 30-yard try. Fairbairn’s “Doink” off the left upright will be replayed for years. “I put it right down the middle in practice,” Fairbairn lamented. “Just didn’t fall our way today.”

Key Stats

Burrow was vintage—25-of-30 for 345 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 36 rushing yards on two carries. Higgins paced the receiving corps with six catches for 136 yards and a score, while Likely recorded five receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Geno Smith went 16-of-40 for 175 yards and one touchdown. Wimbley led the ground game with 17 carries for 75 yards and a score. Tank Dell hauled in six catches for 69 yards, and Nico Collins chipped in five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next

Houston will close out Week 18 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Cincinnati hosts the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in its regular-season finale.