Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The 7-5 Cincinnati Bengals will host the 9-3 Houston Texans on Sunday in a game that will have major playoff implications on the AFC. Houston is currently two games ahead of the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South, while the Bengals are clinging to the final wild-card spot.

Houston looked to be one of the better teams in the league a couple weeks ago, and while they still may be, the loss of quarterback Matt Schaub for the remainder of the season is a major blow. Rookie T.J. Yates stepped in and played admirably in a win over the Atlanta Falcons last week, however, and running back Arian Foster continues to dominate.

Cincinnati has silenced the doubters by positioning itself for a playoff berth, but it seems to be slipping away with three other 7-5 teams right on its tail. The Bengals have gotten to this point due mostly to solid play from rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and great defense, though the latter has struggled in recent weeks.

This game is crucial for both teams, albeit a bit more for the Bengals since the Texans have a buffer. Even so, a win would be absolutely huge in helping either squad come one step closer to securing a playoff spot.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS; KHOU (Houston) and WKRC 12 (Cincinnati)

Spread: Cincinnati (-3)

If this game was played on a neutral field it would likely be a pick 'em, so Cincinnati being a three-point favorite at home seems about right. This should definitely be a very close affair as both teams feature excellent defenses, but I would give the Bengals the edge.

Texans quarterback Tyler Yates played pretty well last week, but that was against Atlanta's fairly weak secondary. When he takes on Cincinnati's defense, however, the sledding will probably be a little tougher. When you couple that with the fact that the Bengals are the more desperate team, I think they should get the win and the narrow cover.

Over/Under: 38

Seeing as both teams have rookie quarterbacks and strong defenses, it would be very surprising if this turned into anything resembling a shootout. Because of that, I think taking the under in this game is a fairly safe play.

You never know when either team might explode offensively, but there doesn't seem to be a ton of scoring potential here.

Texans Key Injuries

Questionable: DB Jason Allen (thumb, head), DL Tim Bulman (calf), RB James Casey (chest), LB Brian Cushing (rubs, knee), QB Jake Delhomme (calf), TE Joel Dreessen (groin), WR Andre Johnson (hamstring), RB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)

Probable: LB Mister Alexander (shoulder), TE Garrett Graham (hamstring), DB Glover Quin (elbow), DL Antonio Smith (shoulder)

Bengals Key Injuries

Questionable: RB Cedric Benson (foot), DB Nate Clements (hamstring), DB Chris Crocker (knee), DL Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), LB Brandon Johnson (knee), LB Dontay Moch (non-injury)

Probable: TE Donald Lee (foot)

Fantasy Big Plays

RB Arian Foster (HOU) - The Bengals may have one of the better run defenses in the league, but running back Arian Foster is a Swiss army knife of sorts for the Texans as he is equally adept at running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.

Even if he is shut down as a runner, Foster should put up excellent numbers as a receiver.

WR A.J. Green (CIN) - Like Foster is to the Texans' offense, rookie wide receiver A.J. Green is the player that makes the Bengals' offense go. Green is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season and he has done it against every level of competition, good and bad.

Doing battle with Jonathan Joseph won't be easy, but Green has the physical tools to succeed in each and every game.

Keys to Texans Win

If the Texans are going to pull off the mini-upset on the road against the Bengals, then they will need to employ the same game plan they did last week against the Falcons. With Yates at quarterback, the Texans are no longer a team that can air the ball out, and it is clear that the coaching staff has already come to that realization.

With wide receiver Andre Johnson's status once again in question, running back Arian Foster will be key in this game. The Texans need to throw Foster at Cincinnati from all angles with runs, swing passes and screens. Defensively, if Houston can put some pressure on Andy Dalton, then it may be able to force the rookie into some mistakes.

Keys to Bengals Win

Defense will undoubtedly be the main key to a Cincinnati win on Sunday. First and foremost, the Bengals must continue to stop the run, just as they have all season long. The Texans will try to establish the run early and often with Arian Foster. If the Bengals can stymie him, then it will force T.J. Yates to pass more than he should.

Provided the Bengals can force Yates to throw the ball more than around 25 times, they will have the Texans right where they want them. Offensively, Cincinnati must play a simple game, just as it has all season long by running the ball with Cedric Benson and allowing Andy Dalton to make quick and intelligent decisions under center.

Prediction

Bengals 20, Texans 14