Bengals vs. Texans: Quarterback Play Will Decide Wild Card Showdown

The Cincinnati Bengals vs. the Houston Texans. I wouldn't necessarily use the word "exciting" to describe this wild card matchup.

"Intriguing" is more like it.

Both quarterbacks are making their first postseason appearance.

Andy Dalton, who has the flu at about the worst time possible, is a young rookie who has put together an impressive first NFL season.

On the other hand, TJ Yates, who is recovering from a separated shoulder, is also a rookie but has had to step in for the injured Matt Schaub. He hasn't been nearly as impressive as Dalton, but he wasn't as highly touted out of college, either. Nonetheless, he's shown he can be effective at times. 

Because of Yates' inexperience, the Texans will hope to rely on their running game. Arian Foster and Ben Tate form one of the best duos in the NFL.

That might not be as easy it sounds, however.

The Bengals have been extremely stout against the run (3.9 yards per carry), and the Texans won't be able to hand it off 30 times like they'd like to. That means T.J Yates will have to step up. 

Call it ugly. Call it what you want.

However, this game has two rookie quarterbacks going up against two of the best defense in the NFL—neither of them are going to be able to hide.

That's something I know I want to watch. 

You might not like it, but you're going to see one of these guys grow up right before your eyes. This could very well be the future of the NFL right now.

In a game seemingly lacking story lines, that's pretty darn intriguing. 

I'll take the more experienced inexperienced guy. Dalton and the Bengals take this one on the road, 20-17.