SPORTS N STUFF

When the Indianapolis Colts lost their franchise quarterback in Peyton Manning, many conceded that would open the door for the Houston Texans to potentially make a run in the AFC South. The Texans have lived up to expectations with nine wins through their first 12 games, including six straight to keep pace with the top teams in the AFC, but what makes their run so impressive is the fact that they have done it without their own franchise quarterback, and a number of their core superstars. Houston has lost Matt Schaub, top receiver Andre Johnson, and top defensive end Mario Williams due to injury this year, and with rookie quarterback TJ Yates now under center, they will look to extend their improbable run with a visit to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday December 11, 2011 1:00 PM ET
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
NFL Betting Lines: Cincinnati Bengals 3

For as good as the Texans have been, the Bengals have been one of the success stories in the AFC as well, as they have remained in the Wild Card hunt with a rookie quarterback of their own throughout the course of the season. Cincinnati has benefited from one of the leagues top defenses, but their inability to win games against the top contenders has prevented them from taking the next step and win games where they are the sports betting underdogs.

Betting On Texans Bengals Preview: Houston Texans

After losing Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart in consecutive games, the team decided to go with Yates even though they signed veterans Kellen Clemens and Jake Delhomme to the active roster. The first UNC quarterback to ever start in the NFL, Yates didnt disappoint in a 17-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for 188 yards and a touchdown without turning the ball over. Despite the loss of Williams, the Texans defense has continued to thrive, and the running back tandem of Arian Foster and Ben Tate ranks among the best in the NFL. Head coach Gary Kubiak will continue to have his backs pound the rock, and unless the Bengals can slow them down and force Yates in to tough situations there is no reason to think they wont be successful.

Betting On Texans Bengals Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

While Cincinnati has done an excellent job of closing out the games that they are expected to win, their record is now 0-4 against opponents that have a winning record this season, and that has to be a concern with the Texans at 9-3. While quarterback Andy Dalton has steadily progressed in his first year in the NFL, he hasnt become much more than a game manager, even with an elite option at wide receiver in AJ Green. The Bengals have gotten to where they are with a solid defense and rushing attack that has averaged just over 100 yards per game, but this will be another tough test for an unproven team.

Betting On Texans Bengals Preview: Outlook & Pick

The best sportsbook bookies have the Bengals listed as favorites for this game, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they deserve that title, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against another top AFC contender. Houston has been decimated by injuries and kept on winning, and they look to have found another winner in Yates, who impressed in his first start against Atlanta.

Betting On Texans Bengals Pick: Houston Texans