This should be a interesting football game on Sunday afternoon.  During even numbered weeks this season the Texans are 2-0 outscoring teams 60-37 while the Bengals have won four games in a row.  The Texans will likely pass first in this game as they are getting very frustrated with the running game.  That means it will be up to Matt Schaub and his receivers to move the ball against the Bengals’ D.  If Schaub has time to throw the ball he will be really effective and that means the O-Line will have to slow down DE Antwan Odom who has 8 sacks this season.  The Bengals are allowing 222.8 yards passing per game this season so they are vulnerable to the passing game.  WRs Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter will stretch the field to give TE Owen Daniels the opportunity to get a lot of room to run the short stuff.  If the Texans get the lead in this game then they will likely get RB Steve Slaton involved in the game to attempt to protect their own defense which is not too good.

The Bengals will come out of the locker room handing the ball to Cedric Benson early and often.  He has 487 yards rushing (4.4 ypc) so far this season and the Texans are allowing 140.8 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards per carry.  Riding Benson helps the Bengals out two fold as it keeps the clock going and it keeps Texans’ QB Matt Schaub on the bench.  WRs Chad Ocho Cinco and Andre Caldwell will run the short stuff in this game but look out for Chris Henry deep on play action.  Carson Palmer is a closer playing his best ball in the 4th quarter and this game will likely come right down to the end before a winner is crowned.  The Texans give up 222.2 yards passing per game this season so look for Palmer to pull this game out late.

PREDICTION:  BENGALS 30, TEXANS 27