Cincinnati Bengals vs Houston Texans NFL Picks & Odds

Written October 24, 2008 by Jason Lowry

This week the Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) will try and get that first win under their belt when they head down south to take on the Houston Texans (2-4). While the Bengals continue their losing ways as they got beat up last week by the Steelers 38-10, the Texans are on a two game winning steak after beating the Lions 28-21 last week. The oddsmakers are thinking all Texans in this one, as Houston comes in 9 point favorites over the Bengals at BetUS.com

The Bengals will again be without Carson Palmer this week, so it will be up to Ryan Fitzpatrick to get the team its first win. Fitzpatrick wasn’t terrible in their last game, as he threw for 164 yards and a score last week, and found a way to get both Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh the football. While both receivers had 8 catches, they weren’t the big plays this offense needed, as they each had around just 50 yards. Johnson did score his 2nd touchdown of the season, and they really need to get this guy going. Fitxpatrick really seems to be looking Johnson’s way for the most part, so we are expecting an even bigger day out of the receiver this week.

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The Bengals defense isn’t getting any help from the injury bug, and the most recent injury to rookie linebacker Keith Rivers, could really hurt this team, as Rivers is out for the rest of the season. The Steelers had no problem moving the football on the beat up Bengals defense, as they threw for 3 scores, and their backup running back Mewelde Moore ran it 20 times for 120 yards and another score. It will be interesting to see how this team comes out and plays this week, as they don’t want to go any longer without a win. Bet Bengals +9 at BetUS.com

After getting beat in their first 3 games of the season on the road, the Texans will try and make it 3 out of 4 at home, and get them right back in the playoff picture. Matt Schaub really looked good last week throwing for 267 yards and 2 scores both going to tight end Owen Daniels, but the real story is the play of receiver Andre Johnson, who is easily one of the best in the game. Johnson just had 11 catches for 141 yards, and thats just an average day at work for the young receiver. Look for more Schaub to Johnson this week against the Bengals.

The Texans defense has had its up and downs, and last week they nearly fell apart again, as they let the Lions close a 17 point lead to just 7 in the 4th quarter. Now even though the Bengals haven’t won a game and are without their starting quarterback, they still have the talent to pull off the upset, so the Texans better come to play or they can pretty much kiss their season goodbye with a loss this week. Bet Texans -9 at BetUS.com

Need some help making your picks for the games this weekend? Check out who Jason Lowry has picked this week in his NFL and NCAA packages.