I told my wife that the team that reminds me the most of the Giants last two Superbowl teams is this Bengals team with the exception of one big piece. Their pass rush is nasty. The o- line can open up lanes to run. They have the best receiver in the playoffs in AJ Green. If Andy Daulton can step up his game the way Eli elevated his in the playoffs during those runs, the Bengals are a tough matchup for Houston, IMO. I like them 21-10.

JJ Watts scares me to death. BJGE has to have a good game to slow him down a little bit or he will eat Dalton alive. I believe he will. Bengals 28-24.

Not a huge Bengals fan but I have my doubts that anyone besides New England or Denver can score more than 24 points against the Bengals D. They are a pretty solid group.

Houston wins it 17-14....

Once the Bengals beat the Ravens, I feel like this is the best matchup they could have asked for right now. Fingers crossed.

Not sure the Bengals could have asked for a better draw in the tournament. If they are serious about taking the next step, they should show up believing they have a legit shot of winning.

Andy Dalton will throw 2 TD passes to the Texans and lead them to a victory.

Houston 21 Cincinnati 13

I do a little pre-season prognosticating for my friends and I had the Bengals at 8-8, not making the play-offs so who am I to say?? Perhaps Gals fans would prefer it if I said Houston will win by two scores, which is what I think. I tell you what though, the party the NFL throws in the SB Champs city to kick off the following season is almost as great as winning the Lombardi Trophy so unless they go against my Packers, I'd LOVE to see them win the whole thing!

The Bengals offense precludes me from picking the Bengals.

 

That's where I am at.

I predict Houston 24 Cincinnati 13

 

But I am so ready for a Bengals win. The last time the Bengals won a playoff game was 23 years ago.

 

Taking a look back to what I was doing 23 years ago.

I just got married 2 years before after my military service was over.

 

Things that have happened in my life since the Bengals last playoff win.

Had 3 kids, the oldest already graduated from College and married, 2nd daughter is a JR in College and my youngest is a JR in High School. Getting ready to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary in March.

 

So in a nutshell only 1 of my kids was even alive the last time the Bengals won in the post season. That makes me feel old, but even worse makes me realize how bad of a franchise the Bengals have been.

Around halfway into the season I thought that Texas was the team to beat for the super bowl, not now. This should be a good game and I will pick M.Lewis to finally get a playoff win.

 

Bengals by a FG

I want to be an optimist. I am going with Bengals 16 Texans 13.

 

This looks like a defensive battle to me and a field goal kicking contest. Turnovers either way will be even more of a factor in this game than usual.