Clear edgeCIN
Cincinnati Bengals
83.5PFM Team Score#8 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.
Current PFM Team Scores
HOU
Houston Texans
79.3PFM Team Score#16 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 still holds the overall PFM Team Score lead by 4.2 points. 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.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
CIN83.5
Cincinnati Bengals 83.5HOU79.3
Houston Texans 79.3Overall NFL Rank
CIN#8
Cincinnati Bengals #8HOU#16
Houston Texans #16QB Stability
CIN87.8
Cincinnati Bengals 87.8HOU82.1
Houston Texans 82.1Roster Strength
CIN79.6
Cincinnati Bengals 79.6HOU78.8
Houston Texans 78.8Coaching Direction
CIN74.1
Cincinnati Bengals 74.1HOU80.7
Houston Texans 80.7Recent Performance
CIN86.0
Cincinnati Bengals 86.0HOU71.8
Houston Texans 71.8Offense
CIN86.2
Cincinnati Bengals 86.2HOU81.6
Houston Texans 81.6Defense
CIN78.6
Cincinnati Bengals 78.6HOU79.7
Houston Texans 79.7Franchise Direction
CIN74.8
Cincinnati Bengals 74.8HOU79.9
Houston Texans 79.9Explosiveness
CIN81.9
Cincinnati Bengals 81.9HOU80.7
Houston Texans 80.7Conference Rank
CIN#3
Cincinnati Bengals #3HOU#9
Houston Texans #9Division Rank
CIN#1
Cincinnati Bengals #1HOU#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: #31
Toughest stretch: Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers
Next five difficulty: 75.6
View Cincinnati Bengals Road AheadHouston Texans
Remaining schedule rank: #29
Toughest stretch: Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars
Strongest opponents: Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens
Next five difficulty: 76.7
View Houston Texans Road AheadHouston has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 29. The strongest opponents include Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens. Cincinnati also has the more favorable road, which adds to the steadier quarterback room.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 27, 2026. Schedule data updated October 26, 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