Bengals (9-7) vs Texans (10-6)
- 1st Down: Andy Dalton vs T.J. Yates - going into this season, if you would of told me that a QB taken after the 1st round of the 2011 draft would be the starter of a team and make the playoffs, I would of said that you don't know football. Dalton has played the entire season, so we've seen more of him then Yates who only played a month. I believe that both teams will run the football religiously in this game.
- 2nd Down: Running Game - Arian Foster will have about 30 touches in this game and Cedric Benson should have about the same. So this game could come down to who runs the ball better and who can keep the chains moving on 3rd down.
- 3rd Down: Which Defense can win the turnover battle - Houston's defense is much improved from last season vs. Cincinnati's revamped Defense lead by CB Johnathan Joseph. These two teams played a few weeks ago in Week 15, in which the Bengals played a good game, if not for a 4th Quarter meltdown which allowed the Texans to comeback and win that game and the 3rd Seed.
- 4th Down: Playoff Pressure - With both teams not having as much playoff success as the other teams in the playoffs, this could come down to which team can handle the playoff pressure the best. I usually look at the coaches in this matter: Marvin Lewis with the Bengals and Gary Kubiak with the Texans. Both won Super Bowls as assistants but both are seeking their 1st playoff victory as a Head Coach.
Confidence Pick: Texans
- QB: Dalton (7) vs Yates (6)
- Defenses: Bengals (4) vs Texans (2)
- Overall Team: Bengals (7) vs Texans (3)
- Bengals (18) vs Texans (11)
My Pick: Bengals 17 vs Texans 21
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