Clear edgeCIN
Cincinnati Bengals
80.6PFM Team Score#13 NFL
VS
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans: PFM Team Comparison
The Cincinnati Bengals hold a clear overall advantage over the Houston Texans in the current PFM ratings. Cincinnati separates itself through the steadier quarterback room and the more dependable offense.
Current PFM Team Scores
HOU
Houston Texans
78.5PFM Team Score#17 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Cincinnati Bengals Higher
The Cincinnati Bengals ask fewer questions at quarterback because Joe Burrow sets the floor of the offense. That stability matters when a game moves away from the opening script. Houston's strongest counterargument is Coaching Direction. DeMeco Ryans is the coaching difference. Houston has the more dependable answers when the first answer stops working.
Cincinnati also brings the more dependable offense. The counterargument matters, but it does not erase Cincinnati's clear overall advantage.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Cincinnati vs. Houston Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
CINCincinnati Bengals
HOUHouston Texans
THE COUNTERARGUMENT
Houston Texans’ Best Argument
The Houston Texans have the stronger coaching operation under DeMeco Ryans. The advantage shows up in preparation, adjustments and pressure situations. The coaching direction advantage is a real point in Houston's favor, but it does not outweigh the rest of the higher-rated team’s advantages. The problem for Houston is that Cincinnati counters with the steadier quarterback room and the more dependable offense.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
CIN80.6
Cincinnati Bengals 80.6HOU78.5
Houston Texans 78.5Overall NFL Rank
CIN#13
Cincinnati Bengals #13HOU#17
Houston Texans #17QB Stability
CIN87.4
Cincinnati Bengals 87.4HOU80.2
Houston Texans 80.2Roster Strength
CIN80.0
Cincinnati Bengals 80.0HOU78.7
Houston Texans 78.7Coaching Direction
CIN73.6
Cincinnati Bengals 73.6HOU80.5
Houston Texans 80.5Recent Performance
CIN76.3
Cincinnati Bengals 76.3HOU71.2
Houston Texans 71.2Offense
CIN85.2
Cincinnati Bengals 85.2HOU79.7
Houston Texans 79.7Defense
CIN77.4
Cincinnati Bengals 77.4HOU80.1
Houston Texans 80.1Franchise Direction
CIN74.8
Cincinnati Bengals 74.8HOU80.2
Houston Texans 80.2Explosiveness
CIN82.2
Cincinnati Bengals 82.2HOU80.0
Houston Texans 80.0Conference Rank
CIN#7
Cincinnati Bengals #7HOU#9
Houston Texans #9Division Rank
CIN#2
Cincinnati Bengals #2HOU#2
Houston Texans #2Outlook
CINPlayoff ContenderHOUIn the Playoff Mix
Stronger outlook: Cincinnati BengalsSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Cincinnati Bengals
Remaining schedule rank: #32
Toughest stretch: Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders
Next five difficulty: 76.1
View Cincinnati Bengals Road AheadHouston Texans
Remaining schedule rank: #27
Toughest stretch: Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
Strongest opponents: Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles
Next five difficulty: 76.1
View Houston Texans Road AheadHouston has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 27. The strongest opponents include Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles. Cincinnati also has the more favorable road, which adds to the steadier quarterback room and the more dependable offense.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 6, 2026. Schedule data updated October 6, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams