Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock (FTI Sports)
by Chris Asbrock
Houston Texans (0-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
Paul Brown Stadium
Thursday, 9/14/2017
8:25 P.M. EST
NFL Network
The 0-1 Cincinnati Bengals are heading into tonight’s matchup against the 0-1 Houston Texans, needing a win badly. The Bengals were stunningly thumped at home, to open the season, last week by a score of 20-0. With question marks about the offensive line hovering around this team, they were certainly answered on Sunday with their performance against Baltimore. On the other side, the Texans were humbled at home, by the Jacksonville Jaguars. With both teams looking less than impressive last week, let’s look at the matchup for tonight’s primetime game.
The Bengals have the offensive weapons that are arguably some of the best in the NFL and would normally have the advantage, however, as previously mentioned, the biggest issue on that offense is their line. The already week line took another blow as right guard, Trey Hopkins, is currently listed as out with a knee injury. Not sure who will fill in at that position. The three headed monster at running back with Jeremy Hill, Gio Bernard and Joe Mixon should be able to help take chunks of yards for this offense, helping relieve some pressure on Dalton. The receiving corps should get a little boost with first-round pick John Ross suiting up tonight. Dalton must be able to get the ball out quick and in the playmakers hands to have any shot tonight.
The Texans offense will be turning to rookie Deshaun Watson who will be making his first NFL start tonight. Watson is no stranger to the primetime spotlight as Watson lead his Clemson Tigers to the college football national championship last season. As we all know, the NFL is a lot different than the college game. The key for Watson is to stay composed and get the ball out quickly.
Advantage: Push
Defense
The Bengals defense will get the very slight edge here. While both defenses are very similar in stats, giving up close to the same in points and yards, I give the Bengals a little bit of an edge here. The return of Adam Jones will help the secondary. With both defenses in the same boat, the key is which defense will win the turnover battle and slow down the other rushing attack. Both defenses gave up over 150 yards rushing last week and neither team can afford that. The Texans defense will certainly be licking their chops as they will be able to pin their ears back and attack the weak line. If they can follow the same blueprint the Ravens did, tonight will be very successful for the Texans defense. The same will go for the Bengals as they will look to make it an awful night for Deshaun Watson in his first start. The more pressure and different looks the Bengals can provide, the better off their defense will be.
Advantage: Push/Bengals
Special Teams
Tough one to guage as we still do not know what to expect from Randy Bullock. He was able to beat out Jake Elliott, with relative certainty, for the Bengals kicking job. He was not called into action on Sunday because the Bengals offense couldn’t get out of their own way. Have to give the edge to the Texans here as their special teams unit got on the field to attempt an extra point last week.
Coaching
Nothing much to really say here either. Marvin Lewis continues to make some people scratch their heads each week. While he has a successful 113-94-3 career regular season record. His time is appearing to be ending soon, especially if the Bengals are unable to accomplish a playoff birth or win. Bill O’Brien has had an ok tenure with the Texans, compiling a 27-22 record in the regular season. Both coaches are needing a win desperately to get their teams back on track.
Advantage: Push
This game could be pretty ugly, considering that both offenses couldn’t seem to get out of their own way on Sunday. The Texans have owned the Bengals in primetime so we will see if the Bengals can buck the trend and get back into the positive with a home victory over the Texans.
Prediction: Bengals 13-10
Impact Sports Cincinnati 