HOUSTON — The Houston Texans secured a 19-13 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, thanks to a standout defensive performance. Despite an underwhelming second half from quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense, the defense played a crucial role, intercepting rookie Caleb Williams twice after halftime.

Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown, while Ka'imi Fairbairn added four field goals from distances of 56, 47, 59, and 53 yards to boost Houston to victory.

"It’s just about winning one week at a time," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "They’re not always going to be pretty, but you just have to find a way to win. That’s what I’m most proud about with our guys. No matter what happened there at the end, we found a way to win."

Fairbairn’s field goals were pivotal, and Houston's defense kept constant pressure on Williams, who was sacked seven times and finished 23 of 37 for 174 yards. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. recorded 1.5 sacks, emphasizing the defensive line’s dominance.

Stroud’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins gave Houston an early lead, and the Texans led 16-10 at halftime. Despite managing only a field goal in the second half, the defense ensured the lead held. A fumble by Houston’s Cam Akers with about 6.5 minutes left gave the Bears a chance to narrow the gap with a 54-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.

Chicago coach Matt Eberflus noted that Williams had valuable learning moments despite the rough outing. Williams’ fourth-quarter struggles included being sacked by Danielle Hunter and throwing an incomplete pass on fourth down.

Collins, who had 135 yards receiving for the second consecutive 100-yard game, was a key offensive contributor, particularly after briefly being penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Houston's lead was extended to 19-10 with a 53-yard field goal set up by an interception from Derek Stingley. Another interception by rookie Kamari Lassiter capped off a frustrating game for Williams.

Bears' injuries included defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, who left with a groin injury, and wide receiver Keenan Allen, who was inactive due to a heel injury.

Fairbairn made NFL history with five field goals of 50 yards or more in just two games, a feat highlighted by Ryans: "Nobody talks about him enough. (Fairbairn) is the reason why we won these two games. That’s been the player of the game."