Texans Edge Bengals 31-28 in AFC Divisional Shootout

HOUSTON, TX — In a high-stakes AFC Divisional clash, the Houston Texans narrowly defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 31-28, in a game that was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Houston leaned on explosive plays from both their offense and defense to secure their spot in the AFC Championship, where they’ll host the Cleveland Browns.

Game Recap

The Bengals struck first with Joe Burrow connecting with Kadarius Toney on a 2-yard touchdown pass. But Houston answered immediately, with former Bengal Joe Mixon breaking free for a stunning 60-yard touchdown run to tie the game. Burrow wasn’t done, finding Ja’Marr Chase for a 27-yard touchdown, putting Cincinnati up 14-7 in the first quarter.

Houston responded in the second quarter, as Mixon punched in another touchdown from 1 yard out. With just seconds left in the half, Burrow scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown, giving the Bengals a 21-14 halftime lead.

The Texans surged in the third quarter behind C.J. Stroud, who connected with Dalton Schultz for a 12-yard touchdown, followed shortly by a 7-yard rushing touchdown of his own. A 45-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn extended Houston’s lead to 31-21 early in the fourth quarter.

Down by 10, Burrow and the Bengals fought back, with Burrow finding Tanner McLachlan on a clutch 5-yard touchdown pass to bring them within three points. Despite Cincinnati’s best efforts, the Texans’ defense held strong in the final minutes, forcing an incompletion on fourth down to seal the victory.

Key Stats

• Joe Burrow (CIN): 32/45, 348 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception; 9-yard rushing touchdown
• Joe Mixon (HOU): 12 carries, 159 yards, 2 touchdowns; 4 receptions, 45 yards
• Ja’Marr Chase (CIN): 5 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown
• C.J. Stroud (HOU): 12/20, 150 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions; 5 carries, 12 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
• Dalton Schultz (HOU): 1 reception, 12 yards, 1 touchdown
• Kadarius Toney (CIN): 7 receptions, 68 yards, 1 touchdown
• Stefon Diggs (HOU): 3 receptions, 68 yards

The Bengals controlled possession for much of the game but couldn’t keep pace with Houston’s explosive plays. Mixon’s performance against his former team was pivotal, as his two touchdowns shifted momentum in favor of the Texans.

Quotes from the Field

After the game, C.J. Stroud expressed pride in his team’s resilience: “This team has shown heart all season. We knew Cincinnati would bring everything they had, but we stood strong. Now it’s on to Cleveland.”

Joe Mixon, who tormented his former team with his two touchdowns, added, “This was personal. I wanted to make a statement, and I’m proud of how we battled out there.” Burrow also acknowledged the Bengals’ fight: “We gave it everything. Houston made some big plays, and in the end, we just ran out of time. We’ll be back.”

Up Next

With this thrilling victory, the Texans advance to the AFC Championship, where they will host the Cleveland Browns. The Texans will need another all-around performance to secure a spot in the Super Bowl as they prepare for a tough matchup with Cleveland.