Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals – Game Pick
Who wins in Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals?
The Houston Texans will start a rookie quarterback in Deshaun Watson. However, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that a rookie quarterback can have success. And I do think Watson will play about as well as can be expected against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Texans will try to keep things simple for Watson. They’ll establish the run and use play-action to give Watson bigger windows to throw the ball. Watson’s mobility will also be on full display and the Texans will take full advantage of it.
But like the Bengals defense is looking forward to play against a rookie like Deshaun Watson, the Texans defense is also eager to face Andy Dalton. Dreaming of all the possible interceptions and sacks like the Ravens had against him in week one.
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However, the Texans won’t see that Andy Dalton. There will be no repeat of the five turnover game. The Bengals offense will more prepared. You’ll see a bigger impact from A.J. Green, more touches for rookie running back Joe Mixon and if rookie speedster John Ross is available, that will give Dalton another dangerous play maker.
I think Deshaun Watson will have some success early in the game, but as the game goes on and he’s required to do more, the short week will work against the rookie. His mobility will keep a lot of plays alive, but the Texans offensive gave up ten sacks in week one. So Watson’s going to get hit a lot in this game and he already tweaked an ankle against the Jags.
After the blow outs each team suffered last week, I think Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals will be a close, hard-fought game. Both defenses will play well but the Bengals will have the upper hand. They didn’t score a point in week one, but they’ll score enough to get this win at home.
Next: NFL Power Rankings – Week 2: Are Patriots still Number 1?
Winner: Bengals
Score prediction: 20-17 Bengals
Points spread: Bengals -6.5
Over/under: 38 – Under