Analyzing the Cincinnati Bengals Remaining Schedule

After what was a devastatingly embarrassing loss in Pittsburgh in Week 13, the Cincinnati Bengals are left tied with the Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and New York Jets at 7-5 as we look ahead to Week 14.

With a wild-card spot still very much up for grabs, Andy Dalton and the Bengals know that now, more than ever, is crunch-time.

With that in mind, let's look at which teams the Bengals will have to go through to make the playoffs, and give some predictions as to whether they can achieve that feat in 2011.

Houston Texans

The league's second-ranked defense head to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, in what will mark Jonathan Joseph's first visit back to Cincinnati since his move this past offseason.

Unfortunately for the Texans, the losses of Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart will mean that rookie T.J.Yates is tasked with facing the Bengals intimidating defense. 

While the Yates-led Texans managed to topple the Falcons last week, the likelihood is that after the embarrassment that was the loss to the Steelers, the Bengals' rush defense will be ready and willing to shutdown Yates' No.1 playmaker, Arian Foster, forcing Yates to air it out.

With Andre Johnson also likely to sit the game out with a hamstring issue, Foster will really have to carry the weight for Houston.

It certainly won't be an easy win for the Bengals. After such a monumental disaster in Pittsburgh, in which the Bengals offensive line looked as tough as paper, you have to be concerned for Andy Dalton against Wade Phillips' defense.

The Bengals will need to capitalise on the Texans' injuries in this one, and as has been said in previous weeks, the defense and special teams making plays will be hugely significant to helping take the load off of Andy Dalton and the passing game.

Prediction: win

@ St.Louis Rams

In Week 15, Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals will travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams. The Rams were once considered as a team that would take a step forward in 2011, but at 2-10, that sentiment is history.

With Sam Bradford battling on-and-off issues with injury, the Rams have floundered under the guidance of Jay Feeley, failing to put any points on the 49ers in Week 13. 

It could be a big day for Cedric Benson, as the Rams hold the league's worst run defense, but with a passing defense ranked eighth, it might not be so easy for Andy Dalton.

While you might chalk this one up as a walk-over, don't forget the 31-21 beat down the Rams put on the Saints earlier this year.  If the Bengals can shut down Steven Jackson, they may well just shut down the Rams.

The Bengals have proved sturdy on the road for the most part this year, and with everything still to play for, and St. Louis just desperate for the year to end, this may just go in Cincinnati's favor.

Prediction: win

Arizona Cardinals

The enigma that is the Arizona Cardinals travel to Paul Brown Stadium in the 2011 seasons' penultimate match-up, and could prove a tough test for the Bengals.

They've played well considering their quarterback issues, and a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday seems to suggest that things are getting back on track.

With Patrick Peterson a veritable game-changing threat on special teams, and the Cards defense starting to click, not to mention the danger that Larry Fitzgerald poses to the Bengals' depleted secondary, this could be a lot tighter than some might think.

The Bengals have the home field advantage, but they could fall victim to complacency in this one, with their minds focused on Baltimore in Week 17.

These two teams haven't met since 2007, so there will be a learning curve on both sides. Despite this, I can't help but feel that this could be a letdown game for the Bengals, especially if they beat Houston and St.Louis.

Prediction: loss

Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals 2011 campaign will end at home to the Ravens in what could prove to be a real dog-fight.

If my predictions are correct, the Bengals will come into this one needing to knock-off the Ravens. On the other side, the Ravens may well come into this game with the ability to rest starters if they have their place in the post-season locked down.

However, if the Bengals do win their next three, this game will not be essential, but would cement their place in the playoffs and provide a significant mental boost as they prepare to embark on playoff football.

These two teams are well accustomed to one another and with the tight contest (until the end at least) that was their first meeting in 2011, the Bengals have every reason to believe they can get it done at home in their final game.

This one could very well come down to whether the Ravens are already comfortably in the playoffs, and I'm going to go out on a whim and say they will be just that, opening the door for the Bengals to take this one.

Prediction: win