Watson sparks Texans

CINCINNATI — Deshaun Watson ran 49 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL start and led the Houston Texans’ depleted offense to a late clinching field goal in a 13-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.

Watson showed up in a black tuxedo for his first NFL start — it was his 22nd birthday, no less — and showed the f lash that helped him lead Clemson to a national title. He avoided the rush and ran 49 yards for a 10-3 lead late in the first half, dashing past befuddled defenders.

The Texans (1-1) let their defense do most of the work. The Bengals (0-2) have failed to score a touchdown in their two games to open a season for the first time in their 50 seasons. They became the first team to opened a season with five scoreless quarters since the 2009 St. Louis Rams, who went 1-15, according to ESPN Stats.

Watson led a 13-play drive that set up Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 42-yard field goal with 1:56 left. The Bengals got the ball two more times, but failed to cross midfield.

The Bengals managed only three field goals by Randy Bullock. Quarterback Andy Dalton fell to 1-6 against the Texans, including a pair of playoff losses.

Houston was missing three tight ends because of concussions, along with receiver Will Fuller V and guard Jeff Allen. The Texans kept it simple, and Watson avoided the game-turning mistake despite heavy pressure from the Bengals.

Watson completed 15 of 24 for 125 yards and no interceptions. He ran five times for 67 yards.