Bengals vs. Texans: 4 Things to Expect from Playoffs' Most Inexperienced Teams

Of all of the games on this Wild Card weekend, Saturday's match up between the Bengals and Texans may just be the most difficult to predict. Neither team has a top-level quarterback, although Andy Dalton has been more than impressive in his rookie campaign. 

Even though these teams met just a few weeks ago in a Texans win, this game can certainly go either way. No matter what the result is, here are four things to expect from these two teams this Saturday. 

A Heavy Dose of the Run Game

We all know the Texans are going to run the ball. Not just because they are starting a third-string quarterback, but the running attack has been the heart of this team since Week 1.

Most of their big plays come from their tandem of Arian Foster and Ben Tate running behind the best offensive line in football in a well-orchestrated zone-blocking scheme. 

The Bengals are not quite as effective running the ball, but they will need to be as balanced as possible going against one of the best defenses in football.

Andy Dalton has faded a bit down the stretch, and it is unknown how he will react in a playoff environment. The Bengals are going to need a great effort from Cedric Benson to help out Dalton as much as possible. 

Terrific Defensive Performances

The common denominator both these teams share is a great defense. Houston has been relying on their defense to get them wins all season as their offense has struggled through injuries.

Additions like J.J. Watt and Jonathan Joseph have been tremendous all season. In this matchup, A.J. Green will have his hands full trying to shake off Joseph while Connor Barwin wreaks havoc in the backfield. 

For the Bengals, the key will be to stop the run, and it starts with up front with Geno Atkins, who has outperformed just about every defensive tackle this season. However, they may struggle to cover Andre Johnson, but their pass rush should be strong enough to give the Texans a long day on offense.

Lack of Big Passing Plays

The Bengals have the better quarterback in this match-up, but they will struggle to generate explosive plays against the Texans defense. 

Their top target, A.J. Green, will struggle to get separation from Jonathan Joseph. If Houston can leave Joseph on Green on an island, it will allow them to roll their coverage to the secondary targets and let their pass rush have its way on a startled rookie quarterback. 

I would expect the Bengals to try to counter with a lot of runs and quick throws to sustain offense, but getting the ball downfield will be quite a challenge. 

Houston's big plays come from the running game, but with Andre Johnson back, he is always capable of making a huge play. The key is for Yates to have enough poise in a playoff game to deliver the ball downfield. 

A Two-Minute Drive to Decide the Game

Just like their previous meeting, this game will be close all game and will come down to a final drive by either offense.

T.J. Yates rose to the challenge a few weeks ago and stole a victory from the Bengals on a last-minute drive, but can he do it again in a playoff atmosphere?

Andy Dalton is very aggressive and poised for a rookie, but will he hold his poise on the road, in a playoff atmosphere? The young quarterback with the most poise will ultimately decide who advances.