BENGALS (5-8-1) VS. TEXANS (8-6)
SATURDAY, 8:25 P.M. ET, NRG STADIUM, HOUSTON uTV: NFL NETWORK
Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon, Stacey Dales
About the Bengals: A disappointing season bottomed out when the Bengals blew a 14-point lead and didn’t score in the second half of a close loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are going to miss the playoffs for the first time since drafting QB
and WR in 2011, and team owner will face major decisions after the season. Green has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but hopes to return this week, even with the postseason out of the question. The Bengals hoped to be playing more than potential spoilers this week but since they aren’t, look for young players on the offensive line and in the back seven defensively to get more reps. The offense likely will feature RB who has been carrying most of the load since RB
suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last month.
About the Texans: Not much has gone according to plan in a strange season, but the Texans are two victories away from winning the AFC South and returning to the playoffs. The team agreed in March to pay QB
$18 million a year, but he has struggled all season and was benched last weekend in favor of QB Coach
on Monday committed to Savage as a starter for this week’s game. DE
is having a breakout season in the absence of DE and the Texans defense ranks first in total yards allowed and second against the pass. That has allowed the Texans to have a winning record and be in postseason contention despite a minus 8 turn- The Texans’ Tom Savage is scheduled to make his first NFL start this weekend.
over ratio and an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring, passing and total yardage.
Hopkins’ numbers have taken a huge hit in the new Texans offense, but he’s one of the league’s most reliable pass catchers and can operate in tight spaces. The Texans look for him on third down, and the Bengals know this.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Jones had an all-too-common personal foul penalty last weekend but remains a solid cover cornerback, and he’ll be up for the challenge Hopkins provides.
His season debut was delayed by an injury suffered in last year’s Pro Bowl, and the Bengals missed him. But Eifert is playing with confidence, and even if Green can return, the fourth-year tight end will see his share of targets. The Bengals are looking toward the future, and Eifert’s rare combination of size and athleticism makes him an important part of the team’s plans.
Osweiler has thrown six interceptions compared to two touchdown passes over the last four games. That likely explains why the Texans decided to give Savage the start this week.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Establish a rhythm: Savage has never started an NFL game and has thrown 55 regular-season passes. The Texans’ game plan is likely to include safe, confidence-building throws to allow him to get comfortable.
2. Hold on tight: The Texans have run the ball well and have a positive time of possession for the season. They are likely to employ a conservative game plan and rely on their defense to force turnovers and limit scoring chances.
3. Protect the QB: Keeping Clowney out of the backfield likely will be a joint effort for the Bengals, who think that Dalton can be successful if he gets time to scan the field.
Zac Jackson