In a thrilling Week 2 matchup of the 2026 Madden franchise season, the Houston Texans narrowly defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 38-33. The Texans managed to hold off a late surge from the Bengals to secure their first win of the season. Both teams entered the game looking to establish early momentum, and the contest lived up to the high stakes with a dynamic display of offensive prowess. Joe Burrow was the standout performer for the Bengals, amassing an impressive 402 passing yards and delivering three touchdowns through the air. His favorite target, Ja'Marr Chase, was virtually unstoppable, racking up 179 receiving yards. On the ground, Houston's David Montgomery made his mark by rushing for 95 yards, providing the Texans with the necessary balance to keep the Bengals' defense guessing. Defensively, the Texans made crucial plays that influenced the outcome. Derek Stingley Jr led the team with eight tackles, while Will Anderson Jr contributed a key sack. Jalen Pitre's interception provided a critical turnover, helping to stymie a Cincinnati drive and shift the momentum in Houston's favor. The Texans' defense ultimately proved decisive, giving their offense the platform needed to seal a hard-fought victory.