RZBR Game of the Week - Week 3

by adelfish | 3 years ago | 0 Comments

Red Zone Bleacher Report 'Game of the Week' - Week 3

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) @ Houston Texans (2-0)

In the inaugural Red Zone Bleacher Report 'Game of the Week', we have a doozie.

A young budding rivalry in Red Zone between two of the AFC powerhouses - the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans, most recently facing off in the AFC Divisional Round last season which saw the Texans end the Bengals season.

The Bengals loaded up this offseason, bringing in superstar wide receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, while the Texans spent a ton of money in free agency to fill some holes.

In each Game of the Week, we will take a look at each team, and then get some picks from Bleacher Report's writers!

Team Previews

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)

Last Game: 45-17 W vs Tennessee (1-1)

Record All-Time vs Houston: 0-5

Leading Passer - Zach Wilson (595 Yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT)

Leading Rusher - David Montgomery (112 Yards, 1 TD)

Leading Receiver - Ja'Marr Chase (10 REC, 159 Yards)

Defensive Points Ranking - 2nd in Red Zone, 13 Points Per Game

Defensive Pass Ranking - 18th in Red Zone, 247 Pass Yds Per Game

Defensive Rush Ranking - 2nd in Red Zone, 37 Rush Yds Per Game

Notable Injuries - Jonah Williams (85 OVR LT) - 4 Weeks

Houston Texans (2-0)

Last Game: 38-10 W vs Indianapolis (0-3)

Record All-Time vs Cincinnati: 5-0

Leading Passer - Davis Mills (671 Yards, 6 TDS, 2 INTS)

Leading Rusher - Austin Ekeler (107 Yards, 1 TD)

Leading Receiver - Brevin Jordan (15 REC, 238 Yards, 3 TDS)

Defensive Points Ranking - 7th in Red Zone, 20 Points Per Game

Defensive Pass Ranking - 9th in Red Zone, 222 Pass Yds Per Game

Defensive Rush Ranking - 1st in Red Zone, 35 Rush Yds Per Game

Notable Injuries - Austin Jackson (79 OVR LT) - 4 Weeks

Pick-Ems

Will Cain

THE PICK - Texans (-5.5)

WILL'S TAKE - The Texans have the Bengals number. Did Coach Moji do enough this offseason to get ahead? I don't think so, considering Houston made moves of their own. Give me the Texans.

Jeff Darlington

THE PICK - Bengals (+5.5)

JEFF'S TAKE - This is going to be an all out shootout and the Bengals have the better talent, and should pull out a victory.

Tom Pelissero

THE PICK - Texans (-5.5)

TOM'S TAKE - Despite how close the results have been in the past between these two, I think the Texans mentally own the Bengals. The Bengals spent their whole offseason swinging for the fences in terms of big name acquisitions. Stefon Diggs, Kenny Clark...this is it. This is the best roster the Bengals have brought to a game versus Houston, it's now or never. I take the Texans by 7.

Brett Kollman

THE PICK - Texans (-5.5)

BRETT'S TAKE - Ever since Coach Biggs got to town, it seems the McNair curse has been lifted. With his track record, I can't root against the Mills Wagon. Texans by 10.

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Daniel Jeremiah

THE PICK - Bengals (+5.5)

BRETT'S TAKE - If this were last year, or even the year before, I would easily pick the Texans. However, the Bengals goal was clear this offseason: load up on offense to take out the Texans. While the Houston defense is a solid unit, I believe the Bengals offense is just too much for any defense to handle. I think this game is close, and comes down to a final drive for the win.