Bengals vs Texans: Preview and Predictions for 2012 AFC Wild Card Game

The Cincinnati Bengals just barely edged into the playoffs and will now have to take on a playoff starved Houston Texans squad in an AFC Wild Card game. 

Both teams are no doubt hungry for playoff glory. While the Bengals have not won a postseason game since 1990, the Texans are heading into their first playoff game in franchise history. 

While the Bengals have endured an up and down season, they are facing a Texans squad that has lost their final three games of the year. 

In fact, the last win the Texans received was a close shave against the Bengals in Week 14. Let's delve deeper into what should be an exciting clash of hungry AFC hopefuls. 

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

When: Saturday, January 7th (Coverage Starts at 4:00 p.m. ET)

Watch: NBC

Listen: Houston radio information here. Cincinnati radio information here. 

Betting Line: TBD

What's At Stake?: Nothing short of a live or die outcome. There is nothing better than a one-game playoff, making the NFL postseason a true delight. The loser is dismissed and soon forgotten. The winner takes one step closer to the Super Bowl and immortality. 

Bengals' Injury Report: According to ESPN, no significant injuries at this time. 

Texans' Injury Report: According to ESPN, TJ Yates has a shoulder injury (Yates suffered a separated left shoulder Sunday, but he should be able to start next weekend's playoff game).

What They're Saying:

The Dayton Daily News reports the Bengals' loss did not cost them the playoffs:

"Despite the loss, the Bengals (9-7) also got into the playoffs, securing the final wild card as the Jets and Broncos also lost. It's Cincinnati's third playoff appearance in the last 21 years."

Chron.com has a rundown on a reeling Texans squad that will face the Bengals:

"The finale of the greatest regular season in the Texans’ brief 10-year history fit perfectly into the theme of their campaign, giving their fans yet another injury concern Sunday afternoon as they limp into next weekend’s playoff matchup with Cincinnati on a three-game losing streak."

Bengals' Player to Watch: Where Andy Dalton goes, so to do the Bengals. Dalton has been a blessing as Carson Palmer deserted what looked to be a hopeless situation in Cincinnati. The Bengals need their young star on his game if they are going to continue this magical ride. 

Texans Player to Watch: With TJ Yates suffering a shoulder injury, the bulk of the offense will have to come from Arian Foster. If the Texans are going to skirt disaster, it will have to come from their best offensive player. 

Key Matchup: In their game on December 11th, TJ Yates was able to put together a late drive to seal a comeback and playoff berth. The Bengals have a solid defense that simply can't let down at any point this weekend. They have the weapons to stop the Texans and only need to keep their heads in what will be a raucous game. 

On the Hot Seat: Neither coach is in danger here. 

Prediction: Texans 27, Bengals 24