Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are ready for a big Week 2 clash against the Houston Texans. However, sports analyst Marcus Speaks isn't so positive on Cincinnati's chances against Houston.

Burrow and the Bengals are off to a solid start after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener. While Spears expressed his appreciation for the team's stars, he does have concerns about their next game against the Texans.

“I have so much respect for Joe Burrow and obviously Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. This is the worst week in the world to play to play the Houston Texans. This is maybe the worst time to ever play this defense ever because of what happened to them week one against the Buffalo Bills. They will self-evaluate. I expect them to be much better,” Spears said on ESPN with Mina Kimes.

“We've had this conversation a lot about the Cincinnati Bengals, and as good as they are offensively, when Joe Burrow is in shotgun, it's a way to protect him in this particular game, I do not expect DeMeco Ryans to sit back and allow Joe Burrow to just be pocket presence and push the ball down the field. And I'm sure, look, nobody feels great about Tee Higgins about their matchups with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. If anybody does, the Houston Texans is probably as close as it gets. So they have to figure out ways to protect Joe Burrow when he's dropping back the pass beyond being in shotgun and hoping that your offensive line hold up.”

"This is the worst week in the world to play the Houston Texans."

—@mspears96 on the Bengals facing the Texans in Week 2 🫣 pic.twitter.com/CDISmL4VAx

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 18, 2026

What lies ahead for Joe Burrow, Bengals

Joe Burrow and the Bengals will certainly be busy with trying to return to the playoffs.

Cincinnati hasn't been back to the playoffs since 2022, hoping for a return to serious contention. It requires quality performances on both sides of the ball, especially with Burrow leading the offense alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The Bengals will look forward to their clash with the Texans in Week 2, being on the road. That matchup takes place on Sept. 20 as kickoff commences at 1 p.m. ET.