:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5911561/20121230_jla_an1_280.0.jpg)
For the second year in a row, the Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. Despite starting backup quarterback T.J. Yates in last season's contest, the Texans eliminated the Bengals 31-10. The oddsmakers expect similar results for this year's No. 3 seed installing Houston as 4.5-point favorites over Cincy.
Houston will come into this game healthier than last season, with quarterback Matt Schaub starting all 16 games for the Texans. Andre Johnson set a career high in receiving yards with 1,598 for a Houston offense that was top 10 in NFL in yards and points per game. Mix that with a top 10 defense in the same category and the Texans are one of the most balanced teams in the playoffs.
Cincinnati won seven of their last eight games to earn the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, ousting division rival Pittsburgh. The Bengals have now made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, the first time this has been accomplished in the history of the franchise. Cincy was also one of the more reliable teams to bet on this season, compiling a 9-6-1 record against the spread.
For the NFL playoff lines and tons of other sports, check out OddsShark. Odds can also be found over at SB Nation. And for more on the Texans, check out Battle Red Blog.