Cincinnati Bengals (10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS) vs. Houston Texans (12-4 SU, 9-6-1 ATS) at Texas
Kickoff: Saturday, January 5th, at 4:30PM Eastern
Line: Texans -4.5
Total: 43
About this time one year ago, the Cincinnati Bengals had a chance to end the league’s longest postseason losing streak. Then QB Andy Dalton threw 3 interceptions in a 31-10 loss. This Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals will have one more opportunity to end that 23-year streak when they visit the Houston Texans once again.
The Houston Texans come to this contest as a 4.5 point favorite at YouWager, after a strong 12-4 run in the 2012 NFL football wagering season. Many sportsbook bettors feel the Texans are one of the strongest teams in the AFC, on both sides of the ball. The Texans are rated 7th in the NFL for both total offense and defense. Houston’s offensive has a three-pronged attack with QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, and WR receiver Andre Johnson. Schaub has thrown for 4,008 yards with 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. WR Andre Johnson is Schaub’s favorite target. Johnson has caught 112 throws for 1,598 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. YouWager’s top NFL analyst says Johnson could be a major factor on Saturday, as the club faces Cincinnati’s defense. On average, the Bengals have only allowed 320 total yards per game. The biggest weapon, for the Texans, may be on the ground, however. Running back Arian Foster’s 351 carries, 1,424 yards, and 15 touchdowns certainly demonstrate a tough rushing offense. Recently, though, the running game has been one of the reasons that the Texans lost 3 of their last 4 games. If Foster can mount those long drives again, everything will change.
The Cincinnati Bengals may be a 4.5 point underdog at YouWager, but the Bengals have won 7 of their last 8 games. Cincinnati’s defense could take a lot of credit for those wins, YouWager’s NFL expert says. The Bengals did not give up more than 20 points in any of those 8 games. On average, Cincinnati only allowed 12.75 points per game during this run. If Cincinnati’s defense continues to be this ruthless, the Bengals could turn this one around. In last year’s playoff loss to the Texans, QB Andy Dalton threw 3 interceptions. Obviously, inconsistency has been a problem. Dalton is lucky to have a great target in WR A.J Green. Green has caught 97 throws for 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Historically, Cincinnati has lost 4 games in a row to Houston in their last 4 matchups, and they did not cover the spread in their last 5 games. It could be a battle between two struggling offensive attacks. If both defensive crews are strong enough, many successful sportsbook bettors say they see a good opportunity to take the Under in this one. At YouWager, the total is 43. Game time on Saturday is 4:30PM Eastern.
