The Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats off in an intense NFL Week 2 matchup on September 15, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The final score of 19-13 in favor of the Texans showcased a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm but delivering standout individual performances. This article breaks down the key player stats, highlights game-changing moments, and provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-read analysis of the Bears vs. Texans game. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a fantasy football manager, or just curious about the numbers, this guide has you covered!
Game Overview: A Defensive Showdown
The Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats was a gritty, hard-fought contest that leaned heavily on defensive prowess and special teams execution. The Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and a relentless pass rush, secured the victory thanks to four field goals from kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn and two critical interceptions of Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams. Chicago, despite a valiant effort and a late rally, couldn’t overcome early deficits and offensive struggles.
This matchup featured two young quarterbacks with high expectations: Stroud, the 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year, and Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. While Stroud’s composure and connection with receiver Nico Collins proved decisive, Williams showed flashes of potential but faced challenges under heavy pressure. Let’s dive into the player stats and break down what made this game tick.
Quarterback Performances: Stroud vs. Williams
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
- Passing Yards: 260
- Completions/Attempts: 23/36 (63.9% completion rate)
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer Rating: 94.7
- Sacks Taken: 3
C.J. Stroud delivered a solid performance, managing the game effectively despite a quiet second half for Houston’s offense. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins in the second quarter was a highlight, showcasing his ability to connect on deep throws. Stroud’s poise under pressure and lack of turnovers were critical in a game where every possession mattered. His 260 passing yards led all players, and his ability to sustain drives with key third-down conversions (like an 8-yard pass to Joe Mixon on third-and-6) kept the Texans in control early.
Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
- Passing Yards: 174
- Completions/Attempts: 23/37 (62.2% completion rate)
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 2
- Passer Rating: 51.0
- Rushing Yards: 44 (5 carries)
- Sacks Taken: 7
Caleb Williams, in his second NFL start, faced a steep learning curve against Houston’s aggressive defense. The rookie was sacked seven times, with defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. leading the charge. Despite the pressure, Williams showed mobility, scrambling for 44 yards, including a notable 17-yard run. His passing game struggled, with two interceptions in the second half—picked off by Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter—that halted potential comeback drives. However, Williams started strong, completing his first seven passes for 55 yards on the Bears’ opening drive, setting up a 53-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.
Rushing Stats: A Ground Game Stifled
Houston Texans
- Total Rushing Yards: 75 (22 carries)
- Key Rushers:
- Cam Akers: 32 yards on 7 carries
- Joe Mixon: 25 yards on 9 carries
- Tank Dell: 16 yards on 2 carries
The Texans’ rushing attack was underwhelming, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Cam Akers led the team with 32 yards, but a critical fumble at the Bears’ 4-yard line late in the game nearly cost Houston the win. Joe Mixon, expected to be the workhorse back, was limited to 25 yards, as Chicago’s defense clogged running lanes. Tank Dell added a 16-yard end-around, but the Texans leaned heavily on their passing game and field goals to secure the victory.
Chicago Bears
- Total Rushing Yards: 71 (22 carries)
- Key Rushers:
- Caleb Williams: 44 yards on 5 carries
- Khalil Herbert: 3 yards on 2 carries (1 TD)
- D’Andre Swift: 18 yards on 14 carries
The Bears’ ground game was equally ineffective, with D’Andre Swift struggling to find room against Houston’s front seven. Khalil Herbert scored Chicago’s only offensive touchdown on a 2-yard run just before halftime, set up by a pass interference call on Texans rookie Calen Bullock. Williams’ 44 rushing yards, including a 17-yard scamper, were a bright spot, showing his ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs. However, the Bears’ inability to establish a consistent run game put extra pressure on their rookie quarterback.
Receiving Stats: Collins Shines, Moore Holds Steady
Houston Texans
- Nico Collins: 8 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD
- Stefon Diggs: 4 receptions, 37 yards
- Tank Dell: 2 receptions, 25 yards
Nico Collins was the standout performer of the game, hauling in 8 catches for 135 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown that gave Houston a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter. His 16-yard catch late in the first half set up a 59-yard field goal by Fairbairn, extending the Texans’ lead to 16-10. Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell were quieter, with Diggs managing 37 yards on four catches and Dell limited to 25 yards. Collins’ ability to exploit Chicago’s secondary was a game-changer, making him a top fantasy football performer for Week 2.
Chicago Bears
- DJ Moore: 6 receptions, 53 yards
- Rome Odunze: 2 receptions, 33 yards
- DeAndre Carter: 2 receptions, 20 yards
DJ Moore led the Bears’ receiving corps with 53 yards on six catches, serving as Williams’ primary target. Rookie Rome Odunze showed promise with a 27-yard reception in the final drive, but a fourth-down incompletion to him sealed Chicago’s fate. The absence of veteran Keenan Allen (heel injury) limited the Bears’ passing options, and Chicago’s receivers struggled to create separation against Houston’s secondary. The Bears’ lone big play through the air came from Williams’ early connection with Carter on a 14-yard pass.
Defensive Stats: Texans’ Pass Rush Dominates
Houston Texans
- Sacks: 7 (Danielle Hunter: 1.5, Will Anderson Jr.: 1.5, Mario Edwards: 1, others)
- Interceptions: 2 (Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter)
- Tackles Leader: Will Anderson Jr. (8 tackles, 1.5 sacks)
Houston’s defense was the story of the game, relentless in their pursuit of Caleb Williams. The Texans recorded seven sacks, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. leading the way. Anderson’s 1.5 sacks and constant pressure disrupted Chicago’s rhythm, while Stingley Jr. and Lassiter’s interceptions in the second half sealed the Bears’ fate. The Texans’ ability to generate pressure without blitzing often showcased their defensive line’s strength, making life difficult for Chicago’s offensive line.
Chicago Bears
- Sacks: 3 (Tremaine Edmunds: 1, others)
- Tackles Leader: Tremaine Edmunds (8 solo tackles, 1 sack)
- Turnovers Forced: 1 (fumble recovery)
The Bears’ defense held its own, limiting Houston to 19 points and forcing a fumble by Cam Akers late in the game. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was a standout, recording eight solo tackles and a sack on Stroud. However, Chicago’s secondary struggled to contain Nico Collins, and their inability to generate consistent pressure allowed Stroud to make key throws early. The Bears’ defense kept them in the game, allowing just three points in the second half, but the offense couldn’t capitalize.
Special Teams: Fairbairn’s Historic Night
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
- Field Goals: 4/4 (56, 47, 59, 53 yards)
- Extra Points: 1/1
- Points Scored: 13
Ka’imi Fairbairn was the unsung hero for Houston, accounting for all 19 of their points. His four field goals, including three from 50+ yards, made him the first NFL player to hit five or more 50-yard field goals in a two-game span. His 59-yard kick just before halftime was a momentum-shifter, giving Houston a 16-10 lead. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised Fairbairn, saying, “He’s the reason why we won these two games.”
Cairo Santos (Chicago Bears)
- Field Goals: 2/2 (53, 54 yards)
- Extra Points: 1/1
- Points Scored: 7
Cairo Santos was reliable for the Bears, connecting on both of his field goal attempts, including a 54-yarder late in the game that cut the deficit to 19-13. His 53-yard field goal in the first quarter tied the game at 3-3, and his consistency from long range kept Chicago competitive. Santos now ranks second in Bears history for 50-yard-plus field goals, trailing only Robbie Gould.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- Nico Collins’ Touchdown (Q2): Stroud’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Collins gave Houston a 10-3 lead, exploiting a mismatch in Chicago’s secondary.
- Khalil Herbert’s TD Run (Q2): Herbert’s 2-yard touchdown, set up by a pass interference penalty, was Chicago’s only offensive score, cutting the lead to 13-10.
- Fairbairn’s 59-Yard Field Goal (Q2): Just before halftime, Fairbairn’s long kick extended Houston’s lead to 16-10, a crucial momentum swing.
- Williams’ Interceptions (Q3/Q4): Two second-half picks by Stingley Jr. and Lassiter stalled Chicago’s comeback attempts.
- Late Defensive Stand (Q4): Danielle Hunter’s sack on Williams on second down and an incomplete pass on fourth-and-17 allowed Houston to run out the clock.
Statistical Breakdown: By the Numbers
| Category | Chicago Bears | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 205 | 310 |
| Passing Yards | 134 | 235 |
| Rushing Yards | 71 | 75 |
| Turnovers | 2 (2 INT) | 1 (1 Fumble) |
| Sacks | 3 | 7 |
| Penalties | 9 (60 yards) | 12 (115 yards) |
| Time of Possession | 31:13 | 28:47 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 4/12 (33%) | 5/13 (38%) |
The Texans outgained the Bears 310 to 205 yards, with a significant edge in passing yards (235 vs. 134). Houston’s seven sacks and two interceptions were decisive, while their 12 penalties (115 yards) kept the game closer than it might have been. Chicago’s defense was stout in the second half, allowing just three points, but their offense couldn’t capitalize.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Nico Collins (Texans): A must-start after his 135-yard, 1-TD performance. He’s Stroud’s go-to target and a WR1 in fantasy.
- C.J. Stroud (Texans): A reliable QB2 with upside, especially with his connection to Collins. His lack of turnovers makes him a safe play.
- Caleb Williams (Bears): A risky fantasy option until Chicago’s offensive line improves. His rushing yards add some value, but turnovers hurt.
- DJ Moore (Bears): A solid WR2, but his production is capped by Chicago’s offensive struggles and Williams’ growing pains.
- Ka’imi Fairbairn (Texans): A top-tier fantasy kicker, especially with Houston’s offense stalling in the red zone. His long-range accuracy is unmatched.
- Khalil Herbert (Bears): Worth a flex spot in deeper leagues, but his limited carries make him a touchdown-dependent option.
What This Means for Both Teams
Houston Texans (2-0)
The Texans’ defense is emerging as a force, with seven sacks and two interceptions in this game alone. C.J. Stroud’s steady play and Nico Collins’ breakout performance signal a potent passing attack, but the running game needs work. Ka’imi Fairbairn’s reliability is a hidden weapon, especially in close games. Houston’s next challenge is a road game against the Minnesota Vikings, where they’ll need to clean up penalties to maintain their AFC South lead.
Chicago Bears (1-1)
The Bears’ defense showed resilience, holding Houston to three second-half points, but their offense remains a work in progress. Caleb Williams needs better protection to unlock his potential, and the absence of Keenan Allen hurt their passing game. Khalil Herbert’s touchdown was a positive, but D’Andre Swift’s struggles highlight issues in the run game. Chicago faces the Indianapolis Colts next, where Williams will look to bounce back.
Historical Context: Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats Rivalry
Since the Texans joined the NFL in 2002, they hold a 4-2 edge in the all-time series against the Bears. Houston won the first four matchups, but Chicago took the last two before this game, including a 23-20 victory in 2022. The September 15, 2024, game marked Houston’s first win over Chicago since 2012, with their defense and special teams making the difference.
Conclusion: A Game Defined by Defense and Kicking
The Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on September 15, 2024, was a defensive slugfest, with Houston’s pass rush and Ka’imi Fairbairn’s leg proving decisive. Nico Collins’ big day and C.J. Stroud’s efficient play kept the Texans in control, while Caleb Williams’ struggles under pressure highlighted his rookie growing pains. For fans, analysts, and fantasy managers, this game offered valuable insights into both teams’ strengths and weaknesses moving forward.