NFL Week 12 Predictions: Bengals vs. Texans Blowout?

It’s not the popular opinion, but the Bengals vs. Texans game could very easily become a blowout early … in favor of Ryan Mallett’s team. The NFL Week 12 Predictions are all over the place this week. Read why this game could prove to be a stunner and a big factor in the AFC playoff race.

Andy Dalton can’t have another bad road game.

We’ve all seen it before. When the Bengals need Dalton to have a big game in a big moment, he collapses. Sometimes things work out in favor of Marvin Lewis’ team, but the game often crumbles quickly in big spots.

Houston is going to be ready at home. They’ll be hyped, essentially with nothing to lose. The defensive front is going to be swarming all day long, winning matchups that they are poised to. It could be an ugly day if they force Dalton into some bad situations.

Mallett must spread the ball around.

The well-traveled quarterback has the weapons to do some big things. In this one, he has to learn to find everybody and utilize his big weapons when needed. Houston is built around big playmakers on offense and the Bengals have had issues in the past stopping an offensive attack that has balance and numbers on their side.

Look for DeAndre Hopkins to receive attention from not only the Bengals defensive backfield, but from Mallett as well.

It all comes down to pass rush.

As we talked about above, the Texans’ front-seven can swarm when needed. Dalton may be under duress all game – a trend that may find itself creeping over to Mallett as well. The Bengals are finally healthy and able to do a lot of different things on defense. Don’t be surprised to see some big blitz packages from Paul Guenther early and often.

PREDICTION: Texans win by 10, take advantage of Dalton’s bad day.

Weigh in below with your prediction in this one.