Texans vs Bengals: Preview, score prediction for Week 2

Here is a breakdown of the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, score prediction, and betting odds.

The NFL’s second selection for Thursday Night Football could not be any more different than the first. In Week 1, fans were treated to two of the AFC’s top contenders in the New England Patriots and the Kanas City Chiefs. In Week 2, we might have some of the AFC’s worst. Both the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals are coming off of Week 1 performances in which they were absolutely dominated, despite both being home favorites.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton had one of the worst performances in NFL history, according to ESPN’s Total QBR statistic. Dalton threw 4 interceptions and was sacked five times in Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Houston quarterback Tom Savage struggled so much in the Texans’ first game that he benched in favor of rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Texans head coach Bill O’Brien says that the decision on which quarterback to start on Thursday could be a game time decision.

Keys to Victory

Both of these teams are desperate to avoid starting the season 0-2. For the Texans, the offensive line needs to block better for whoever their quarterback will be. In Week 1, the Jaguars racked on 10 sacks against the Texans quarterbacks. The constant pressure was a large reason the Texans turned the ball over so much.

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Savage and Watson combined for three fumbles and an interception, all due to how much pressure the Jaguars were able to put on the quarterback. If the Texans continue to struggle to stop the pass rush, they need rely more on running back Lamar Miller to lessen the pressure on the quarterback.

The Bengals only recorded one sack in their Sunday contest, so getting pressure on Houston would be huge. Most importantly for the Bengals, though, is that they need Dalton to keep his composure. Dalton put on one of the worst quarterback performances in NFL history on Sunday, and he is a franchise quarterback, unlike Savage or Watson.

The Bengals also need to establish a run game in order to set the tone on Thursday night. Houston allowed rookie running back Leonard Fournette to rack up 100 yards and a touchdown in his debut, so the Bengals know they will be able to run. However, on Sunday the Bengals rushed 21 times for only 75 yards as they split carries between Giovanni Bernard, Jeremy Hill, and Joe Mixon.

In practice this week, the Bengals need to decide who is the most talented back and try to set them up early in the game. Having multiple running backs split equal time rarely works, especially when your team’s quarterback throws 4 interceptions and barely completes 50% of his passes.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Cincinnati -6
Moneyline: Cincinnati -225, Houston +218
Over/Under: 38

All odds provided by Bookmaker via The Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 2

Score Prediction

Week 2 is really early to say any game is a “loser leaves town” match, but this game certainly has that feel. The Texans looked terrible against the Jaguars but ultimately Watson coming into the game did provide a spark for the offense. Watson deserves to get the start of Thursday and ultimately I believe the will.

Meanwhile, how can Dalton come back after posting a 0.6 Total QBR and be fine? I think we see a shell shocked Dalton and the Texans are able to pull off a close one, relying on their defense.

Prediction: Houston Texans: 14, Cincinnati Bengals: 12

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