Houston Texans Vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Week 16: THREE Bold Predictions
Despite all of the challenges the Houston Texans have faced this season whether it be injuries, lack of execution of the game plan or just plain brain farts, this team is still standing at the top of the AFC South — just barely — with a 8-6 record.
Despite all of the challenges the Houston Texans have faced this season whether it be injuries, lack of execution of the game plan or just plain brain farts, this team is still standing at the top of the AFC South — just barely — with a 8-6 record.
This team is quite talented from top to bottom and you better believe Bill O’Brien is going to have these guys prepared to reach their full potential.
Hopefully.
There are a lot of new moving parts to this roster that have to integrate with the existing ones so it’s going to take some time to see that cohesiveness that we want.
Until then, let’s sit back, relax and enjoy watching this Houston Texans team do work.
The Houston Texans will be facing a Cincinnati Bengals team that has fell on hard times within the past few weeks.
Just one month ago, there were talks about this time contending for the playoffs for the 6th straight season but with devastating injuries to A.J. Green and the feisty linebacker in Vontaze Burfict, this team has fell below expectations.
They’ve lost four of their last six games and it doesn’t appear there’s light at the end of their tunnel for this season.
Hell, they just cut long-time place kicker Mike Nugent to which I’d never thought I’d see happen as he has been good for years.
They currently possess a 5-8-1 record.
This is the most dangerous match up the Texans could face — a team with literally nothing to lose.
With the exception of pride.
The Bengals’ defense is ranked 21st in terms of yards allowed (359.1 yards per game). They are ranked 12th against the pass (241.6 YPG) and 26th against the run (117.5 YPG).
Their offense is ranked 12th (360.4 YPG).
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s game:
Game Information:
Time: 7:25 p.m. CST
TV: CBS/NFL Network
Radio: 610 AM, 100.3 FM, ESPN Deportes 1180 AM (Spanish), Sirius 81, XM/SiriusXM 225 and Internet 812. Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 88 (National Feed)
Weather: Dome (NRG Stadium)
Next: Analysis: Tom Savage Could Be The Answer
Bold Predictions:
1.) Jonathan Grimes will be the leading rusher for the Texans.
Jonathan Grimes is coming into his own once again. For a guy that continues to be on chopping block during the round of cuts after training camp, he always finds a way to make a roster.
He’s a hard-worker, he’s a bruiser and loves to bulldoze through his defenders one-by-one!
The Bengals will be preparing for Alfred Blue in case Lamar Miller can’t go tonight and here’s every opportunity for Grimes to shine.
The Jags’ run defense is so damn bad, it’s possible that it could happen but it all depends on if our offensive line can create this necessary holes for him.
Our offensive line is ranked 14th as per Football Outsiders in terms of their run blocking and deservedly so.
I’d expect that ranking to improve a tick as the O-Line seemed more compelled to run block and protect for Tom Savage as soon as he stepped into the game.
So how does 120 yards and two touchdowns sound?
That’s music to my ears if you ask me!
2.) Tom Savage will throw his 2nd pick of his career but follow it up with a passing touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins.
Tom Savage is finally in the saddle under center for the Texans.
As bad as Osweiler had been playing and as hard as Savage has worked for his opportunity, he didn’t let it go to waste to drive the Texans to an impressive, come-from-behind win last Sunday.
But let’s not put too much pressure on him, he’s wanting to succeed but will make mistakes.
The difference is that his errors will be quickly followed with corrections to help this team continue to win football games.
Tom will throw his first pick today and Dre Kirkpatrick will be the recipient — he won’t be rattled because as soon as the Texans get the ball back, he’ll march our offense downfield with a touchdown pass to Hopkins.
Hopkins rose from the dead last week — eight catches, 87 yards — and this week will be none the exception.
Don’t believe me, just watch!
3.) Jadeveon Clowney will have four tackles-for-loss and one sack.
Our defensive end just received honors as a Pro Bowler for the first time — first of many — in his career.
This is only the beginning as he comes into his own as one of the best defenders in the NFL.
Clowney will be able to get to the Andy Dalton aka “The Red Rifle” and wreak havoc all across the field.
The Bengals’ offense is ranked 26th in pass protection and this will allow Clowney and the rest of our No.1 ranked defensive line to punch through and make plays.
Clowney will certainly lead the charge to the movement.
Game Score Prediction: 27-17 in a Houston Texans’ win!
Go Texans.