Texans Vs. Bengals, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Houston Advances To Divisional Round By Defeating Cincinnati, 31-10

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Owen Daniels Injury: Tight End Getting X-Rays To Check If Hand Is Broken

The Houston Texans have been bitten hard by the injury bug all season long and now there is a potential new injury that could hurt the Texans going forward. Tight end Owen Daniels is having his right hand x-rayed for precautionary reasons because the fear is that his hand is broken, this is according to the Houston Chronicle's Jerome Solomon.

The play where Daniels was injured was a first half catch which was challenged by the Bengals. The play was an 8-yard catch by Daniels and the Bengals challenged that the ball was fumbled, but the play stood as a catch for Daniels. Against the Bengals Daniels caught two receptions for 29 total yards.

Daniels was the leading receiver for the Texans this year with 54 receptions for 677 yards and scored three touchdowns. This would be a big loss for the Texans if he happened to miss next weeks AFC Divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens.

For all things about the Texans go check out Battle Red Blog.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Final Score: Houston Earns First Ever Playoff Victory By Defeating Cincinnati, 31-10

The Houston Texans have won their first ever playoff game in franchise history as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10. The offense for both the Texans and Bengals started off slow in the first half, but the Texans picked up their game on both sides of the ball to score the final 24 points in this game.

The Texans defense forced rookie quarterback Andy Dalton into three interceptions and two key back-to-back picks in the third quarter, but Dalton did pass for a respectable 257 yards. The Texans own rookie quarterback T.J. Yates did what he was asked for by not turning the ball over and passed for a modest 159 yards, but he did have a huge play when he connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson which gave Texans a 24-10 lead. At that point in the third quarter it seemed that the Texans had this game wrapped up.

The Texans put an exclamation point on this game when Danieal Manning intercepted Dalton and then three plays later Arian Foster ran off a 42-yard touchdown run to put the Texans up 31-10. Foster scored two touchdowns and rushed for 153 yards today.

Next week, the Texans travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Score: Arian Foster Extends Houston Lead To 31-10 On A 42-Yard TD Run

The Houston Texans defense has stopped the Cincinnati Bengals offense on the past six possessions. The last two Bengals drives have resulted in Andy Dalton throwing interceptions to the Texans Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning. Off of the Manning interception the Texans needed only three plays to go up 31-10 on a 42-yard touchdown run by Arian Foster. On the day Foster has rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

The Texans defense which has been great all year has had another excellent game and deserves a lot credit in what looks like a Texans win late in the fourth quarter. Their defense has forced Dalton into three interceptions and has held the Bengals rushing game to under 100 yards late in the fourth quarter.

The Texans now just needed to keep up their defensive pressure and not allow the Bengals to mount a comeback and they will be on their way to the AFC Divisional round.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Score: Andre Johnson Scores Touchdown To Give Houston A 24-10 Lead

The Houston Texans have now scored the 17 unanswered points and now have a 24-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The latest touchdown came when T.J. Yates completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson, and the touchdown was Johnson's first touchdown since Sept. 18. Johnson beat cornerback Adam Jones on the touchdown, Jones actually came a play earlier for an injury and then was beat deep on the touchdown on his first play back.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Halftime Score: Houston Takes 17-10 Lead At The Half On A J.J. Watt Touchdown

The defense has led the way for both teams in this game today as neither offense has been all that great. Each team exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter, and both were aided by long penalties to put each team in position to score a touchdown.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Score Update: Houston Ties The Game At Seven On An Arian Foster Score

The Houston Texans responded to the Cincinnati Bengals touchdown by tying the game at seven on an Arian Foster on an 8-yard touchdown run. This was the first drive that the Texans were able to consistently move the ball down the field, and this drive went six plays for 80 yards.

On this drive the Texans were also aided by a penalty to move the ball down the field, but unlike the 52-yard pass interference play against the Texans which helped the Bengals score, this was a 15-yard penalty. The penalty was called on the Bengals' Reggie Nelson who was called for hitting a defenseless receiver. Texans tight end Owen Daniels caught a 21-yard pass before he absorbed the hit by Nelson:

That penalty put the Texans at the Bengals 20-yard line. The Texans then took the ground game by giving Foster the ball on three straight plus which ended in a touchdown to tie the game at seven apiece.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog.

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Texans Vs. Bengals: Cincinnati Strikes First On A Cedric Benson Touchdown Run, Lead 7-0

The first few possessions for each team resulted in each team punting the ball, and it could have been due to nerves since this was the first playoff game for the Houston Texans. On the Bengals second possession of the game they earned a 52-yard pass interference call on the Texans Glover Quin when he was defending rookie wide receiver A.J. Green which put the ball at the Texans 20-yard line.

Then on a third-and-seven Andy Dalton connected with running back Brian Leonard took a short pass and ended up gaining 16 yards for the first down at the 1-yard line. On the next play Bengals running back Cedric Benson powered his way in for the touchdown from one yard out to put the Benglas up 7-0.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog.

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Bengals Vs. Texans, 2012 NFL Playoffs Inactive Reports: Safeties Troy Nolan And Taylor Mays Will Not Play

Key members of the secondary will be unable to play in the first NFL playoff game for 2012. Houston Texans safety Troy Nolan will not play on Saturday as a lingering ankle injury will prevent him from going versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Quintin Demps will start in his place, primarily on dime packages. Bengals safety Taylor Mays will be unable to go as well, as his hamstring injury had him doubtful prior to today's report.

Here are the final inactive reports from Reliant Stadium prior to kickoff in Houston at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Houston Texans Inactive List:

• QB Jeff Garcia
• WR Jeff Maehl
• CB Brandon Harris
• S Troy Nolan
• G Thomas Austin
• T Andrew Gardner
• TE Garrett Graham

Cincinnati Bengals Inactive List:

• S Taylor Mays
• S Robert Sands
• LB Dontay Moch
• G Otis Hudson
• OT Anthony Collins
• WR Armon Binns
• DT Nick Hayden

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NFL hub for more updates on Saturday's games.

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Bengals Vs. Texans, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Want To Watch Football Online Legally This Weekend? Of Course You Do

If you are not able to get in front of a television for Saturday's AFC Wild Card matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans, you just might be in luck. The NFL has made it possible for this season's 2012 Playoffs will be available for streaming online for free. For Saturday's playoff games, you will be able to watch on NBCSports.com and NFL.com.

Typically, the only options to watching football online was through DIRECTV's NFL Sunday Ticket, but with the regular season over, there are not any available "legal" options for football fans to utilize for the playoffs until now.

There are some who think that Andre Johnson will have a breakout day, since being virtually unable to play for the last few weeks due to injury. Can the Bengals shut him down? We will see on Saturday afternoon.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NFL hub for more updates on Saturday's games.

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2012 AFC Wild Card, Scouting The Bengals Offense: Could Cedric Benson Be The Difference?

When the No. 2 ranked Houston Texans defense hits the field versus the Cincinnati Bengals offense, it will be facing one of the more balanced teams in football. The Bengals have a 3,000 yard passer in Andy Dalton, a 1,000 yard rusher in Cedric Benson and a 1,000 yard receiver in A.J. Green. Balance is key for the Bengals, and they'll lean on it to try and push them through to the next round. Per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, here's what they can expect to see on Saturday afternoon:

When the Bengals run: The Bengals rushed for over 100 yards in 11 games this season, including their last nine. Cedric Benson had 91 yards on 21 carries in the first game against Houston. In the playoff game against the Jets two years ago, he set Bengals postseason records for most rushing yards in a game (169) and longest carry (47 yards for a touchdown). Houston allowed over 100 yards only seven times this season and only two backs have run for 100 yards or more against them this season (Baltimore’s Ray Rice and Miami’s Daniel Thomas). Brian Cushing leads the Texans in tackles with 114 and defensive end J.J. Watt has 12 tackles for loss.

When the Bengals pass: In the Week 14 game against Houston, Andy Dalton was 16 of 28 for 189 yards with a touchdown. On the road, Dalton has completed 58.7 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions. A.J. Green led NFL rookies in receptions (65) and receiving yards (1,057) and was second in touchdown catches (seven). The Texans have 17 interceptions with none of them in the last four games. Johnathan Joseph and Jason Allen each have four interceptions. Former UC standout Connor Barwin has 11.5 sacks, which is the third most in team history. Barwin had a sack and a forced fumble in the first game which set up a Houston touchdown.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NFL hub for more updates on Saturday's games.

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2012 AFC Wild Card, Scouting The Texans Offense: Owen Daniels Historically Torches The Bengals

One thing that T.J. Yates has learned to do quite well from his predecessor Matt Schaub is find the tight ends. In the Houston Texans last contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals four weeks ago, Yates found Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen for a combined 10 catches, 122 receiving yards and a touchdown catch by Dreessen that helped the Texans defeat the Bengals 20-19 and win the AFC South title.

Per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, here is a scouting report on the Houston Texans offense as they prepare to do battle this Saturday afternoon:

When the Texans run: Houston was second in the league on run offense, averaging 153 yards per game and ran for over 100 yards in all but three games. Arian Foster averaged a league-best 141.6 scrimmage yards per game (1,841 total in 13 games) in ’11 and tied Willis McGahee with seven 100-yard games. Foster (1,224) and Ben Tate (942) were only running back duo with 900-plus rush yards apiece in ’11. The Bengals allowed 220 yards last week which was the most rushing yards they have allowed in Mike Zimmer’s tenure as defensive coordinator. Six of the last eight opponents have rushed for 100 yards or more and two backs have had 100-yard games (Denver’s McGahee and Baltimore’s Ray Rice twice). Thomas Howard led the team in tackles with 120.

When the Texans pass: Since his game-winning touchdown pass to Kevin Walter with six seconds left against the Bengals, T.J. Yates has no touchdowns and two interceptions. In his past two games against the Bengals, Andre Johnson has 19 receptions for 278 yards (14.6 average). Tight end Owen Daniels had seven catches for 100 yards in last game against Bengals. He caught two touchdowns against the Bengals in the 2009 game. The Bengals have allowed two 300-yard passers and seven 100-yard receivers this season. Safety Reggie Nelson, who led the team with four interceptions, had an interception in the game against Houston. Defensive tackle Geno Atkins led the team with 7.5 sacks this season.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NFL hub for more updates on Saturday's games.

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Bengals Vs. Texans, NFL Playoffs 2012: NBC's Tom Hammond And Mike Mayock Will Announce Afternoon Game

For the first playoff game in Houston Texans history, fans will remember that Tom Hammond and Mike Mayock were on the announcer's desk for the historic occasion. The Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans will do battle Saturday afternoon in the first playoff game for the 2012 postseason. While the Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints will play in the evening, the Bengals and Texans will get the "B" team treatment this weekend. Hammond and Mayock will handle play-by-play and color duties, while Alex Flanagan will work as the sideline reporter rounding out the triumvirate.

Hammond and Mayock can usually be found working together for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football games on Saturday's, but Mayock will usually crossover and work for the NFL Network for their Thursday and Saturday games late in the regular season.

For more on the Bengals, be sure to check out the SB Nation blog Cincy Jungle. For more on the Texans, head over to Battle Red Blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation's NFL hub for more updates on Saturday's games.

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Bengals Vs. Texans, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More

The Cincinnati Bengals will be greeted with the type of weather they'd usually see in June versus January as the weather is in the 70's in Houston, Texas. However, the Texans don't plan to greet the Bengals with the warm reception as Houston plans to host their first playoff game since the Oilers were in town.

Yet the Texans come into Saturday's playoff game with a three-game losing streak and have no momentum after beating the Bengals four weeks ago in an epic 20-19 comeback victory in Paul Brown Stadium. T.J. Yates led the way with a 4th-quarter drive that essentially clinched the Texans playoff spot and the AFC South divisional title.

Are the Bengals ready to get revenge, or will the Texans be able to avenge their loss? We shall soon find out on Saturday afternoon.

Game date, time: 4:30 pm ET, Saturday, January 7th

Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

TV channel: NBC

Odds: Texans -4

For updates on the Houston Texans, check out Battle Red Blog, and for the Cincinnati Bengals, head over to Cincy Jungle.

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Texans Vs. Bengals: Taylor Mays, Dontay Moch Doubtful Against Houston

The Bengals and Texans faced off in Week 14 of the 2011 regular season in Cincinnati. The Bengals went into the locker room at halftime with a 16-3 lead, but in the end it was the Texans who walked away with a 20-19 win. They did that without their No. 1 receiver Andre Johnson, as tight end Owen Daniels led them with 100-yards receiving. On Saturday, the Texans face the Bengals again at home in their first playoff game in franchise history, and Johnson will be on the field.

For the Bengals, only safety Taylor Mays and rookie linebacker Dontay Moch are doubtful for Saturday afternoon's game in Houston. All other players are probable, including rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, who missed practice and spent sometime in the hospital with flu-like symptoms earlier this week. Also probable for Saturday's game are running back Cedric Benson, safety Chris Crocker and defensive linemen Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker.

The Texans are slight favorites in Saturday's game but both team's are relatively healthy and the Bengals may not be an easy team to beat.

For updates on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog, and for the Bengals, head over to Cincy Jungle.

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Houston Texans Injury Report: Jason Allen, Bryan Braman, Troy Nolan Questionable

The Texans are playing in their first playoff game in franchise history on Saturday afternoon at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, who they defeated by one point in Week 14 of the season on the road. In that Week 14 game, the Texans were relatively healthy except for No. 1 wide receiver Andre Johnson, who sat out due to a hamstring injury.

That's not going to be the case in their playoff game against the Bengals as there are three Texans players that are questionable and none of them are Johnson. Cornerback Jason Allen, linebacker Bryan Braman and safety Troy Nolan are the only players that have a shot at missing the Texans' first ever playoff game.

All other players, including running back Arian Foster, Johnson, tight end Owen Daniels, cornerback Johnathan Joseph and quarterback T.J. Yates are probable for Saturday's game. This is good new for the Texans, especially when it comes to Joseph, who was limited at one point this week, because he'll be needed to cover pro bowl rookie receiver A.J. Green.

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Texans Vs. Bengals Picks And Predictions Round Up: Houston Given Slight Edge

While the fact that the Houston Texans are starting a rookie QB has been held against them in much of the lead-up to the 2011 NFL playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals are lining up a fellow inexperienced play-caller in TCU product Andy Dalton.

As a result, most of the national media is giving a slight edge to Houston based on their superior body of work as well as their home-field advantage.

At the SBNation mothership, Andrew Sharp likes that the Texans don't need Yates to play well to win, taking Houston as a -3 favorite:

So maybe the difference between these two teams is this: The Texans don't need T.J. Yates to be good for them to win on Saturday. Either way they've still got a defense that will attack all game long, and a running game (Arian Foster, Ben Tate) that can pace the offense and control the ball. Yates doesn't need to bring much to the table, so long as he doesn't take too much off it.

At Sports Illustrated, the long-time NFL writer and extremely connected Peter King is buying the Texans, in particular their strong ground game, predicting a nail-biting 19-17 victory for the home team:

This could come down to who runs the ball better, which is why I'm going with 2010 rushing champ Arian Foster and Ben Tate, who ran for 2,166 yards between them -- and nearly five yards per carry.

After their bye week, though, the Texans faced a group of six teams that finished with a record of 41-55 and went 3-3 while being outscored by four points. Too much is often made about the idea that teams need to be "hot" and have momentum heading into the playoffs, but there's little indication that this Texans team much resembles the unit that beat up on the Steelers in Week 4.

Over at NFL.com, Albert Breer thinks that the Houston's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage will be the difference in a low-scoring 19-16 Texans victory:

It's hard for me to shake the image of Ray Rice running wild through the Cincinnati secondary last week for touchdowns of 70 and 51 yards. I think the Texans, likewise, will be able to control the pace of the game on the ground, and keep T.J. Yates' responsibilities limited just enough to survive another week.

And in a sign that no one is all that confident in picking a game between two rookies QB's, ESPN's panel of ten football experts split 6-4 in favor of the Texans.

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Bengals Vs. Texans, 2012 NFL Playoffs: TV Info, Game Schedule And More

A decade plus of work and frustration will come to a head Saturday afternoon in Houston, as the Texans make their first ever playoff run since arriving in the NFL in 2002. The guys at Battle Red Blog are confident about beating the Bengals twice in a month, and on this momentous occasion in Texans franchise history, they're overcome with excitement, and... Silver Surfer references:

Personally, I think we're going to win this game. We beat this team on the road without Andre Johnson. WeeJay has more experience running this offense. Wade Phillips will have the not-so-enviable task of keeping Brian Cushing from ending all of existence as we know by focusing his Achillean-rage on Andy Dalton. Brooks Reed will harness the Power Cosmic and glide around the Bengals' offensive line to prepare the way for J.J. Watt's arrival and the subsequent eating of Andy Dalton's soul. Arian Foster will seduce the Bengals' defense with his cutbacks, which are on loan from God.

Time / Date: Saturday, January 7, 3:30 p.m. CT

Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

TV: NBC

Radio: Texans Radio Network, Bengals Radio Network, Sirius / XM 88

Streaming: NBC Sports

Line: Houston (-3)

For more on the Houston Texans, be sure to visit Battle Red Blog. For news and updates on the Cincinnati Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle, and for NFL news and updates, go to SB Nation's NFL page.

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Gary Kubiak: A.J. Green Is 'Best Rookie WR In The NFL'

While game-planning for the Cincinnati Bengals defensively, one player stood out for the Houston Texans coaching staff -- Cincinnati rookie WR AJ Green:

"They’re comfortable regardless of what position you have on [Green] just to put the ball up, and we found that out. Because [Texans CB Johnathan Joseph] was in great position on him many times, and they still put it up, and he came down with the ball," Kubiak said. "It’s something we’ve been concentrating on this week, making sure we finish plays, making sure we go to the ball and finish, so that will be a big key. I know they’ll try to get him the ball. I mean, I know I would."

The Bengals took the 6'4 210 WR from Georgia with the No. 4 pick, and he has not disappointed as a rookie, catching 65 balls for 1,037 yards and 7 TD's, including 5 catches for 59 yards in Cincinnati's 20-19 loss to Houston in Week 13.

The Texans will likely keep their star CB, Johnathan Joseph, on Green in a match-up of two AFC Pro Bowlers that should be worth the price of admission.

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Texans Vs. Bengals: Andre Johnson To Make His Return And Playoff Debut

The Houston Chronicle's Jeffery Martin has a look at possibly the Houston Texan most excited to be playing in Saturday's franchise-first playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals - eight-year Texan Andre Johnson, who is confirmed to be returning to the lineup after multiple hamstring injuries sidelined him throughout the 2011 season.

Johnson, 30, is one of the franchise' graybeard veterans, and expressed his relief at finally making it to the playoffs after a career filled with individual accolades:

"I’ve got some slack I’ve got to make up," he said. "I’m not going to sit here and say that somebody is going to pay for it, but I’ll be playing at a high level — I can promise you that."

Despite playing in only seven games this season, Johnson is considered an unquestioned team leader for the Texans, and after putting up gaudy career stats - 9,656 yards and 52 touchdowns - he'll make his playoff debut Saturday. Gushed head coach Gary Kubiak:

"Think about how long he’s stuck it out here in Houston," the coach said. "A lot of guys in this day and time move along, go somewhere else, lose their patience. Andre has never done that. He’s been a rock around here, even though it’s been a very, very difficult year for him.

For more on the Houston Texans, visit Battle Red Blog. For Cincinnati Bengals news and updates, go to Cincy Jungle. For a look at everything NFL, go to SB Nation's NFL page.

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2012 AFC Wild Card, Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report: Andy Dalton Misses Practice With Flu, Puts Undefeated Mark In Reliant Stadium To The Test

Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton was held out of practice on Wednesday with an intestinal virus (i.e. flu), as Bruce Gradkowski took the snaps with the first team offense dealing with frigid conditions during their workout at Paul Brown Stadium.

Coach Marvin Lewis said that Dalton is expected to practice on Thursday before the Bengals make the trip to Reliant Stadium to face off versus the Houston Texans on Saturday. Dalton has never lost in Reliant Stadium, as his past high school history had him compete in games in Reliant as a quarterback from Katy HS in Katy, Texas.

Here is the full injury report for the Bengals on Wednesday:

Did Not Participate in Practice

OT Anthony Collins (NIR)
QB Andy Dalton (Illness)
S Taylor Mays (Hamstring)
LB Dontay Moch (Illness)
DE Frostee Rucker (Shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice

HB Cedric Benson (Foot)
C Kyle Cook (Foot)
S Chris Crocker (Knee)

For all news and information regarding the Houston Texans, please visit Battle Red Blog. For updates and conversation on the Cincinnati Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle.

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2012 AFC Wild Card, Houston Texans Injury Report: Bryan Braman Only Player To Miss Practice

All hands on deck for the Houston Texans on Wednesday as Gary Kubiak's squad is relatively at full strength coming into Saturday's matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff round. Yes, they're without their signal caller (Matt Schaub) and defensive hellraiser (Mario Williams) but you already knew that. So who was the only one unable to get on the field Wednesday?

Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie defensive end Bryan Braman was the only player who was unable to participate in a spirited practice at Methodist Training Center. Braman suffered a sore neck when he recorded a sack in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee — not when he lost his helmet and led with his head in forcing punt returner Marc Mariani out of bounds.

Here is the full injury report for the Texans on Wednesday:

Did Not Participate in Practice

LB Bryan Braman (Neck)

Limited Participation in Practice

CB Jason Allen (Back)
G Mike Brisiel (Ankle)
TE Owen Daniels (Knee)
CB Johnathan Joseph (Achilles)
T Derek Newton (Hip)
S Troy Nolan (Ankle)

Full Participation in Practice

G Antoine Caldwell (Ankle)
FB James Casey (Knee)
NT Shaun Cody (Knee)
TE Joel Dreessen (Knee)
RB Arian Foster (Knee)
WR Andre Johnson (Hamstring)
WR Bryant Johnson (Thigh)
CB Sherrick McManis (Ankle)
C Chris Myers (Knee)
S Glover Quin (Ankle/Elbow)
T Eric Winston (Calf)
QB T.J. Yates (L. Shoulder)

For all news and information regarding the Houston Texans, please visit Battle Red Blog. For updates and conversation on the Cincinnati Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle.

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Writer Praises Texans For 'Solid Team Football', Wonders Whether They Have Been Overlooked

Over at SBNation.com, Ryan Van Biber writes about how he jumped on the Houston Texans bandwagon at the end of season and wonders whether the team's lack of star-power has caused them to be overlooked as the playoffs begin:

What stood out the most about the Texans throughout my fourth quarter conversion was that there was nothing particularly remarkable about this team. They just played good football. The linemen blocked exceptionally well. Linebackers moved easily to where they needed to be. Up and down the roster, play after play, the Texans did the basics with aplomb. The little things matter to this team; that's a big reason why they've been able to play through the kind of injuries that derail most other teams.

Houston hosts Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon, the first game of the playoffs. Few experts give the Texans little chance of getting past a second playoff game. There's also an inherent bias against rookie quarterbacks in the postseason, especially a fifth-round pick like T.J. Yates. Houston's biggest question mark is whether or not they can score enough points to beat some of the league's most prolific offenses.

Nevertheless, the is a precedent for what Houston is doing, using a shut down defense and leaning on an effective running game. The Texans have relied on their command of the little things to get this far, and that approach could put them on a big stage.

In a league that's become increasingly passing-oriented in recent years, a deep playoff run by a Houston Texans team that plays fundamentally sound defense and controls the line of scrimmage would be a vindication of their more old-school approach.

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Texans Vs. Bengals, 2012 NFL Playoff Odds: Texans Still Favored To Beat Cincinnati, Longshots To Win AFC, Super Bowl

The Houston Texans are getting ready to host the Wild Card-winning Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in the first playoff game in franchise history. They'll be slight favorites to win that game and advance to the next round, but the oddsmakers do not seem to have a lot of confidence that Houston can take it all the way.

The Texans are still favored by three points to pick up a win over the Bengals in Round 1, according to our friends over at OddsShark. That's where the good news seems to end if you're planning on putting money on the Houston squad.

Odds site bovada.lv has the full odds on the chances of the various AFC teams to win the AFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl. The Texans are 16-to-1 to win the Championship, faring just slightly better than Wild Card teams the Bengals and the Denver Broncos:

Odds to win the 2012 AFC Conference
New England Patriots 11/10
Baltimore Ravens 9/4
Pittsburgh Steelers 7/2
Houston Texans 16/1
Cincinnati Bengals 25/1
Denver Broncos 25/1

The news gets even more dreary when you looks at each team's odds to win the whole shebang:

Odds to win the 2012 Super Bowl XLVI
Green Bay Packers 9/5
New England Patriots 4/1
New Orleans Saints 9/2
Baltimore Ravens 15/2
Pittsburgh Steelers 11/1
San Francisco 49ers 11/1
New York Giants 18/1
Atlanta Falcons 35/1
Detroit Lions 40/1
Houston Texans 40/1
Denver Broncos 50/1
Cincinnati Bengals 65/1

40-to-1 to win the Super Bowl. It's true that the odds could be a lot worse for a team entering their first-ever round of NFL playoffs. If they get past the Bengals on Sunday, Houston will be up against some mighty tough teams. But as any fan of football knows all too well, anything is possible in the postseason.

For all news and information regarding the Houston Texans, please visit Battle Red Blog. For updates and conversation on the Cincinnati Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle.

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NFL Power Rankings Final: Texans One Spot Behind The Bengals

The Houston Texans may have a better record, a better point differential as well the home field going into Saturday's AFC playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but they're ranked behind Cincinnati in the last NFL Power Rankings of the season from SBNation:

10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7, LW: 8): They lost last Sunday, but still made the playoffs. I have them ranked above their first round opponent for a reason. I think Cincy is better than Houston and they win this game.

11. Houston Texans (10-6, LW: 9): The Texans are hosting the Bengals for their first playoff game in franchise history. Unfortunately, I'm not picking for that to last long.

In the teams only meeting this season, Houston won 20-19 in Cincinnati, with rookie QB T.J. Yates marching the Texans down the field to set up a game-winning TD pass to Kevin Walter with 2 seconds left.

However, since that game, Houston is 0-3 while the Bengals are 2-1.

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Reliant Turf May Be An Issue In First-Ever Playoff Game

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Texans Vs. Bengals, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Houston QB Situation Making Cincy A Hot Pick

The Houston Texans have suffered multiple seasons' worth of injuries to the quarterback position this year alone, and the latest casualty - third-stringer turned starter T.J. Yates' bruised left shoulder - is turning Wild Card Cincinnati into a hot pick.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak indicated that Yates could've returned in Sunday's 23-22 loss to the Tennessee Titans, but since Houston had already locked the No. 3 overall seed and couldn't compete for a first round bye, Yates was benched in favor of recently signed back up Jake Delhomme.

SB Nation NFL editor Joel Thorman considers Houston's quarterback trauma - and the fact Houston has lose their last three games - enough to give the Bengals a serious look for the potential upset:

The Texans, statistically, are one of the best teams in the AFC field but they've also lost three straight entering this game. I'm still undecided on who my final pick will be but right now I'm leaning toward Cincinnati. The Texans quarterback situation makes me too nervous right now, even if they have the rest of the pieces in place for a serious run.

For more on the Houston Texans, check out Battle Red Blog. For info on the Cincinnati Bengals, visit Cincy Jungle. For info on everything NFL, check out SB Nation's NFL page.

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Texans Vs. Bengals, 2012 NFL Playoff Odds: Houston Favored By Three Points At Home

The Houston Texans will enter the 2012 NFL Playoffs hosting the Cincinnati Bengals, and oddsmakers have opened the game's line by giving the home team three points.

With the combined finishes of both teams, this might be the least hot match-up of the Wild Card weekend. The Texans enter the Wild Card round having lost their last three games - two to sub-.500 teams Indianapolis and Carolina. Meanwhile, the Bengals have lost three of their last five, but backed their way into the final playoff spot by virtue of a New York Jets' loss against Miami.

The Bengals / Texans game is tied for the smallest spread of the Wild Card weekend's four games, alongside the Falcons and Giants, who opened at New York (-3). The Saints open as 12-point favorites hosting the Lions, while the Steelers are favored by as much as nine points heading to Denver.

For more on the Houston Texans, visit Battle Red Blog. For updates on the Cincinnati Bengals, check out Cincy Jungle. For everything NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL page.

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Houston Texans Will Pick Somewhere in 2012

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2012 NFL Playoffs TV Schedule: Times and TV Channels Set For Opening Round

The 2012 NFL playoff bracket is almost set and TV broadcast schedules have already been released.