Everyone is down on the Texans because of how poorly they finished but let's face it, the motivation simply wasn't there after they clinched the division. How quickly everyone forgets how good this team really was this year.
Taking a look at Houston a little more closely, this is a team that changed its identity. It was a long process but going back to last season, they shifted from a passing team to a team that relied on run the ball/stop the run. Even with third string Yates in there at qb, they can still wing it around but this team is built on pounding the run and playing really good defense. Basically they are now built for January football.
The home crowd should be a pretty big advantage given that it's been such a long time since Houston hosted a playoff game. On top of that, it is an indoor stadium which should help enhance the noise.
On the other side, Cincinnati was a nice surprise but they aren't that good. They benefited from a pretty easy schedule and struggled in the second half of the season going only 3-5. Last time these two teams played the Bengals were able to load up the box because Andre Johnson was out. They sacked Yates five times but that won't happen in this game.
I could go on and on about this game but to keep things short, I love Houston here. There's tons of value in the Texans because of their poor finish. Had this game been 3 or 4 weeks ago the Texans would be at least -6. The home crowd will be a big advantage and I expect the Texans D to smother the Bengals here.
Texans 24
Bengals 14
Taking a look at Houston a little more closely, this is a team that changed its identity. It was a long process but going back to last season, they shifted from a passing team to a team that relied on run the ball/stop the run. Even with third string Yates in there at qb, they can still wing it around but this team is built on pounding the run and playing really good defense. Basically they are now built for January football.
The home crowd should be a pretty big advantage given that it's been such a long time since Houston hosted a playoff game. On top of that, it is an indoor stadium which should help enhance the noise.
On the other side, Cincinnati was a nice surprise but they aren't that good. They benefited from a pretty easy schedule and struggled in the second half of the season going only 3-5. Last time these two teams played the Bengals were able to load up the box because Andre Johnson was out. They sacked Yates five times but that won't happen in this game.
I could go on and on about this game but to keep things short, I love Houston here. There's tons of value in the Texans because of their poor finish. Had this game been 3 or 4 weeks ago the Texans would be at least -6. The home crowd will be a big advantage and I expect the Texans D to smother the Bengals here.
Texans 24
Bengals 14
