The Bengals (7-3-1) led throughout, but Houston (5-6) cut the lead to 3 late in the third quarter before Cincinnati tacked on two field goals in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Rookie Jeremy Hill scored on a 2-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter after an interception by Ryan Mallett for Cincinnati's only touchdown of the second half.
Mallett struggled in his second career start, finishing with 189 yards passing and often overthrowing open receivers. Houston's only touchdown came on a 60-yard interception return by Johnathan Joseph in the third quarter.
