The Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans probably make for tremendously strange bedmates in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday afternoon. Both have had the best seasons that they have had in years, and one will get to move through to the second round of the playoffs next weekend. Check out our Texans vs. Bengals odds, predictions, and keys to the game so you can make your NFL picks on all of the action!

NFL Playoffs Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans
Bengals vs. Texans Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Bengals vs. Texans Date/Time: Saturday, January 7th, 4:30 p.m.
Bengals vs. Texans Television Coverage: NBC

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Key #1: These two teams have to pretend like they have been here before
To say that there isn’t a heck of a lot of experience on either side of the ball in terms of the playoffs is a bit of an understatement. The Texans have never been to a playoff game in franchise history, and the Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since before the Oilers had ever thought about moving out of Houston. Neither rookie quarterback has played in a game quite like this one, though QB Andy Dalton did get a taste of the action last week against the Baltimore Ravens at home in a game that the Bengals were beaten in. QB TJ Yates has really been thrown into the fire this year, as two months ago, he still had never even suited for his first NFL game before injuries struck. Neither of these coaches, Gary Kubiak nor Marvin Lewis has ever won a playoff game as a head coach before either. The team that can successfully put aside the fears of playing in a nationally televised game like this one is going to be the one that ends up having the better shot to win this game when it is all said and done with.

Bengals @ Texans Odds at Wager Web Sportsbook
Cincinnati Bengals +3
Houston Texans -3
Over/Under 38.5
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Key #2: The ground game is key for both squads
We’ve already spoken about these rookie quarterbacks, and that obviously means that the running game is going to be crucial for both sides. RBs Ben Tate and Arian Foster combined for well over 2,100 rushing yards, and they near had 3,000 total yards between rushing and receiving between them. RB Cedric Benson doesn’t nearly get the publicity that he should, but he rushed for 1,067 yards this season, his third straight 1,000+ yard season with the Bengals. Both offensive lines have had their questions, especially with the Bengals. Benson did only average 3.9 yards per carry this year, and now, he has to run up against a defensive front seven that was amongst the most ferocious against the run all season long. Houston does have the best offensive line that it has had in team history, but that line still has never been in a moment like this one.

Key #3: Houston needs to overcome all of its injuries that it has suffered all season long
The list of injuries this season for the Texans has been borderline insane. Schaub and Leinart were knocked out for the season in successive weeks, and that came after Foster missed basically three full games, LB Mario Williams hasn’t played since the beginning of October, and WR Andre Johnson has only been in the lineup for a total of about five full games all year after dealing with hamstring injuries. P Brett Hartmann is out for the year with a knee injury, and DB Danieal Manning missed a month with a leg injury as well. It is amazing that this team has been able to hold it together in spite of all of this, and now, the pieces of the puzzle that have to limp onto the field have to find a way to get the job done even with all of the setbacks.

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The AFC North has really been split right down the middle in recent years. Two of the teams have been great and have been postseason contenders every year, while the other two have struggled and struggled mightily. Check out whether our AFC North picks are changing this year.

The team that is the most interesting to watch this year is the Cleveland Browns (Current AFC North Odds: 12 to 1 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). With a new West Coast offense installed, QB Colt McCoy really could be a star in the making after a solid rookie campaign last year. Look for rookie WR Greg Little and WR Mohammed Massaquoi to have significantly better seasons in this offense, while RB Peyton Hillis might take a step back. The defense is the sticking point for GM Mike Holmgren’s team, but there are definitely some great, young pieces that can be built around. The Browns might still be a year away, but this is a team that could have some great value should anything happen to any of the important Steelers or Ravens over the course of the season.

And what about those Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Lines: 1.35 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)? What’s not to like? The defense, save for LB Ray Lewis and SS Troy Polamalu is still awfully young, and the offense is only getting better as QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice gain experience. Adding WR Lee Evans was crucial in the offseason, but the best signing might have been FB Vonta Leach, who arguably is the best fullback in the league. It’ll all come down to these two games with Pittsburgh once again to determine who is going to win the division crown in all likelihood.

The one team that we know has no chance whatsoever of doing anything useful this season is the Cincinnati Bengals (Odds to Win the AFC North: 30 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). QB Andy Dalton just doesn’t have it in him to lead an offense was largely no talent around him, and no matter how good of a coordinator that new OC Jay Gruden proves to be, there isn’t going to be enough against these outrageous defenses that this division has to offer. Oh yeah, and the defense for the Bengals? Don’t even ask about it. If Dalton and WR AJ Green don’t end up both putting up Rookie of the Year types of numbers, there’s nothing to even bother watching the Bengals about this year.

And then of course, there are the Pittsburgh Steelers (2011 AFC North Odds: 1 to 1.10 at Oddsmaker Sportsbook). QB Ben Roethlisberger will be in the fold for all 16 games this year barring injury, and that is only going to help out the continuity of this team even more. There’s nothing more that can be said about this defense either. This unit is just downright awesome and is the most consistent in the league. The black and gold are a shoe-in to be a playoff team this year.

2011 NFL Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 1.35 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 30 to 1
Cleveland Browns 10.80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.20

Odds To Win Super Bowl
Baltimore Ravens 16.50 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 250 to 1
Cleveland Browns 200 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 13 to 1

AFC North Super Bowl Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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Odds To Win AFC North Division
Baltimore Ravens 1.25 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 26 to 1
Cleveland Browns 8.50 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.35

Super Bowl 46 Odds
Baltimore Ravens 15 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 110 to 1
Cleveland Browns 65 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10 to 1

AFC North Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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2011 AFC North Odds
Baltimore Ravens 1.25 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 15 to 1
Cleveland Browns 12 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.10

AFC North Odds To Win the Super Bowl
Baltimore Ravens 14 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 75 to 1
Cleveland Browns 80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 9 to 1

NFL Betting Odds @ BoDog Sportsbook (as of 9/4/11):
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AFC North Odds
Baltimore Ravens 1.35 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 20 to 1
Cleveland Browns 8 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1 to 1.25

Super Bowl Odds
Baltimore Ravens 16 to 1
Cincinnati Bengals 125 to 1
Cleveland Browns 80 to 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 15 to 1

Thanksgiving Day always means that we have a fantastic set of games for NFL betting fans to sink their teeth into. This year is no exception, as the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets play host to the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals respectively. Check out some of the best NFL prop picks for one of the biggest days in the NFL schedule.

Tom Brady Over/Under 265.5 Passing Yards
Common logic suggests that the Pats should be able to roll over the Lions, and if that’s the case, you would figure that Brady would be flying past the 265 yard barrier, right? Maybe not so much. Brady has actually only reached this passing total twice this year, including some games against some teams that aren’t all that great. The Lions have a terrible secondary, but if HC Bill Belichick has it his way, he is going to be able to utilize his running game significantly more than his passing game. With this being a 50/50 proposition that we need to beat, we’ll go with Brady Under 265.5 Passing Yards (+100 at Hollywood Sportsbook) on Thanksgiving Day.

Brandon Tate Yards On First Reception Over/Under 11.5 Yards
We know that Tate doesn’t catch a pass in every single game, and if he doesn’t make a reception, we are going to lose this prop, but we also know that this is the best deep threat that Brady has to work with. The Lions have an absolutely dreadful secondary as well. Tate has just 18 receptions this year, but nine of them have gone for at least a dozen yards. The former North Carolina Tar Heel should find a way to get that one reception necessary, and assuming he does, that catch should be Over 11.5 Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Drew Brees Over/Under 1.5 Touchdown Passes
The Cowboys have really struggled with their secondary all season long, but there is a point that these NFL odds get a wee ridiculous. Brees has thrown for at least two TDs in six straight games and in eight of the ten this season, but we absolutely know that that isn’t going to keep up. Dallas gave Brees fits last year, especially up front in the trenches. This is going to be a tough task to get to for Brees, and at +220 odds, we feel like we are stealing Brees to go Under 1.5 TD Passes (+220 at Hollywood Sportsbook) against the Cowboys.

Jon Kitna Over/Under 244.5 Passing Yards
The Saints have one of the best secondaries in the NFL this year, and though this isn’t really a unit that you would really think would be able to shut down a team like Dallas, you might want to think again. Kitna is a great backup quarterback, but he is really no more than that: a backup quarterback. Asking him to reach the 250 yard passing mark at least half the time is going to be difficult, especially if New Orleans is the real deal. The Cowboys’ signal caller will stay Under 244.5 Passing Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Will the Bengals Ever Have the Lead Against the Jets
The Bengals never really stood a chance against the Jets last year, as they were destroyed by them both in Week 17 and in the first round of the playoffs. However, for a team that has so many explosive offensive weapons against a team that tends to get bogged down at times, we tend to think that this is a sucker bet waiting to happen. The oddsmakers are begging you to take “No” at +150, but instead, we are going to be the role of the contrarians, saying that the Bengals Will Lead Against the Jets (-190 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Terrell Owens Over/Under 73.5 Receiving Yards
Good ol’ TO might be a Pro Bowler this season, but he is about to step onto Revis Island to take on DB Darrelle Revis. Owens knows that he is going to see a lot of two of the best corners in football, and though Revis and DB Antonio Cromartie have combined for just one INT since Week 1 of the season, a lot of quarterbacks are wise to not throw their way. TO said that Revis was a one year wonder in the media, which sounds like fighting words to us. Now, let’s throw in the fact that he has only exceeded this number four times in ten games this year. The choice is simple. We have to go with Owens Under 73.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Shonn Greene Over/Under 50.5 Rushing Yards
Consider this a bit of a gut shot play. Greene really isn’t the featured back in the New York offense any longer, as RB LaDainian Tomlinson has really taken over. Greene basically made an entire career out of destroying the Bengals down the stretch last year, and this is still a team that is averaging the 23rd most rushing yards in the NFL. Greene has only gotten to this number four times this year, but he will make it five on Thursday. Go with Greene Over 50.5 Rushing Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

The Cincinnati Bengals could have their 2010 NFL betting campaign put on the line on Monday Night Football, as they are taking on their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in a huge encounter. We here at Bankroll Sports, have all of our Monday Night Football prop picks available for you for the upcoming MNF tussle.

Terrell Owens Over/Under 67.5 Receiving Yards
The Bengals know that they are going to have to throw the football if they plan on beating this Pittsburgh defense. The interesting question here is whether it is going to be WR Terrell Owens or WR Chad Ochocinco that really gets coverage rolled his way in this one. Either way, the Steelers don’t have the corners to be able to stick with either man. When the lights start rolling on Monday Night Football, you know that Owens wants to be the star of the show. This is the top statistical receiver on the team, and he is going to have no choice but to have a big time game on Monday Night. You’d better get your popcorn ready. TO is going Over 67.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook) on Monday Night Football.

Cedric Benson Over/Under 63.5 Rushing Yards
Benson is having a down year this season, as he only has two total touchdowns to speak of. His rushing total is up there, and at least on the average night, he should have no problem eclipsing this type of a number on the ground. However, let’s be real. This is the Pittsburgh defense that he is running against, not a bunch of rag tag guys just trying to hold on for dear life. The Steelers are out to really punish your running back, and this isn’t going to be an exception. Benson is easily flustered when things aren’t going his way, and with the Steelers averaging allowing less than three yards per carry on the season, it is probably going to take at least 18-20 carries to get Benson to this type of figure. Dream on. The University of Texas standout probably stands little chance in this one, so go with Benson Under 63.5 Rushing Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Jordan Shipley Over/Under 3.5 Receptions
Shipley is becoming the receiver du jour for QB Carson Palmer at times, and for good reason. The former Texas Longhorn has great hands, isn’t afraid to go over the middle, and will do all of the dirty work for your team. Consider him like the New England Patriots’ Wes Welker. He’s really the same exact player, just Cincinnati’s form of it. Palmer isn’t going to have much time to figure out how to reach Owens and Ochocinco with deep balls, so we tend to believe that he is going to be forced to check down on those five yard curls and quick slants to the inside. That’s right up Shipley’s alley. As long as Palmer doesn’t try to do too much against this black and gold defense, Shipley should go Over 3.5 Receptions (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Will Ben Roethlisberger Throw an Interception?
These are some absolutely stellar odds that Big Ben isn’t going to get picked off. The Bengals just don’t get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks for it to really make much of a difference. Cincinnati is dead last in the NFL with just six sacks this year, and at that point, and only thing separating Roethlisberger and a solid game without a blunder is staying away from DB Leon Hall, who leads the team with four INTs on the year. Especially if the Steelers get up early in this game, if you can survive the first half, you’ll have this prop free and easy the rest of the way, as RB Rashard Mendenhall should once again just be pounding the rock in the second half. We’ll say that Roethlisberger does Not Throw an Interception (+160 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

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NFL Football Week 5 News & Headlines Cycle:

• NY Daily News; Jerricho Cotchery Sits Again in Week 5
• My Fox Philly; Philadelphia Eagles at Full Force on Sunday
• ESPN; Cowboys To Go Without Roy Williams on Sunday
• ESPN; Lions Still Unsure Who Will Start at QB for Week 5
• Fox Sports; NFL Fines Six Defensive Players This Week
• Fox Sports; Cleveland Browns D.C. Believes Bengals Missed FG Last Week
• Sporting News; Black Players Voice Opposition To Rush Owning Rams
• Eat and Drink Sports; Matt Hasselbeck Likely To Start Sunday vs. Jags
• Philly.com; Eagles Indicate New Contract For Andy Reid
• NFL Gridiron Gab; Colts’ Sanders Status Still A Mystery

NFL Football Week 5 Blog Opinion/Picks/Betting Cycle:

• Cippin on Sports; Week Five NFL Bet of the Week Picks
• BetUS BetFlix; The Drunk Handicapper Week 5 Picks (Video) 
• Bleacher Report; 49ers Should Have Little Difficulty Grounding Falcons
• Miami Sports Generation; WR Trade Opportunities For Miami Dolphins
• LeBrownsTown; Throwin’ Heat: Battered Browns Edition
• Fox Sports; Schein’s Week Five NFL Picks (Video)
• Bleacher Creature; Week Five ATS & SU NFL Picks 
• Fang’s Bites; Week 5 NFL Preview Press Clippings

2009 Week 5 NFL Fantasy Football Cycle:

• America’s White Boy; Fantasy Football Week Five Start ‘Em / Sit ‘Em
• Camel Clutch Blog; Fantasy Football Week Five Start ‘Em / Sit ‘Em
• ESPN.com; Matthew Berry’s Guys I Love, Guys I Hate, Girls I Date (Video)
• Top Fantasy Football; Fantasy Football Impact of the Braylon Edwards Trade
• Hawk Fantasy Sports; Week 5 Start ‘Em / Sit ‘Em Quarterback Rankings
• Sports Judge Blog; Things My Dog Has Taught Me About Fantasy Football
• Fantasy Football Maniaxs; Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickup Recommendations
• Fantasy Pro’s 911; Helping With Struggling Fantasy Football Teams
• Fantasy Pro’s 911; Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickup Recommendations
• Pro Football Weekly; Match-ups To Exploit or Avoid For Week Five
• Fantasy Football Maniaxs; Sleepers/Busts For Week Five
• Club Seat; Week 5 In The Club/Out (Start ‘Em / Sit ‘Em)
• Club Seat; Time To Shop: Selling High

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Looking for a good way to bet on NFL football during the off-season? One great way is to take advantage of the prop bet action Bodog (10% Cash Bonus – Click Here) and BetUS (100% Match-Play Bonus – Click Here) have regarding the picks in the 2009 NFL draft. There will be many different bets available at these books in trying to predict where some of the top superstars will land at the next level. Always one of the most popular bets headlining the NFL draft is picking who will be drafted number 1? Last week the NFL football experts got their first looks at some of the top college players through the NFL workout sessions and the NFL combines will take place over the next few weeks. Today I bring you the most up to date version of my top 10 mock draft picks which may provide assistance to those who look take advantage of the exciting prop bets from our sponsor sportsbooks.

1. Detroit Lions – QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia)

Detroit Lions new coach Jim Schwartz has hinted the idea of going after one of the top offensive lineman in the draft. However, Matthew Stafford will likely be one of the biggest winners of the NFL combines as the NFL scouts continue to be impressed by his poise and decision making ability. Stafford fits the mold of an NFL quarterback perfectly and his stock will rise over the next few weeks even more. The Lions might like to take a lineman, but they will take Stafford in hopes of him turning to a franchise quarterback.

2. St. Louis Rams – OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)

Here is where the big debate begins. The Rams will definitely take the top lineman on the board to try and give running back Stephen Jackson some support in the running game. However Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, and Michael Oher are all outstanding talent that could go in the top 15. In what order is a tough question to answer. Smith might have been the leading candidate until some agent issues in the NFL workouts, and Monroe may have the most experience out of them all.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)

This pick will be an interesting position. The Chiefs have a number of needs that they could address. If Stafford is somehow not selected by this point, the Chiefs may very well take him at number 3. However, expecting he is off the board filling the need on defense seems like the logical area to focus. Aaron Curry will be the biggest name on the defensive side in the draft and will also fill the need at line backer for the Chiefs.

4. Seattle Seahawks – WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)

Crabtree drew a lot of attention last season after some big catches especially in the dramatic win over Texas. Crabtree will be the top WR in the 2009 class and seems to be destined for Seattle due to a major need for a star wide out on offense. The Seahawks ranked among the bottom 5 passing offenses in the NFL last season with not one receiver catching over 700 yards through the air.

5. Cleveland Browns – CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)

The majority of draft experts predict the Browns to go after a big time defensive end with the number 5 selection. However, that would mean that either Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin would have to be picked at number 5. While that may be the outcome, I believe that is a little too much of a jump for both those DE’s. The Browns may resort to Malcom Jenkins as he is a great CB that could give them big play ability on defense which is what they are looking for in the first place.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Andre Smith (Alabama)

Smith sat out of the Sugar Bowl due to breaking team rules. Since then, Smith has had some trouble as he walked out of the NFL first workout session. Due to those problems his stock will drop from the possible 1 or 2 pick he could have been. Cincinnati will address the lackluster offense. The Bengals likely pick Smith up at the number 6 spot to feel the urgent need on the horrible offensive front that allowed over 50 sacks last season.

7. Oakland Raiders – WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)

Oakland likely has the worse receiving core from top to bottom in the NFL and that will be a focal pointing heading into to this year’s draft. Zach Miller lead the Raiders receiving with 778 yards and the next Raider only brought in an embarrassing 366 yards. Maclin is a speedy receiver that could give Oakland a threat down the field which would improve the underachieving offense.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Jason Smith (Baylor)

The Jaguars very well could be the 3rd team inside the top 10 to select a premier offensive lineman. Jason Smith has impressed many NFL scouts through the early workouts and that should be enough to allow him to be picked up inside the top 10. Jacksonville feels their primary need up front with this selection.

9. Green Bay Packers – DE/OLB Aaron Maybin (Penn State)

Green Bay has turned over a new leaf with a new look on defense turning to a 3-4 scheme. The Packers will attempt to add some talent to that side of the ball. Maybin fits the mold of the defense the Packers will try to establish. Maybin can be a run stopper who could drop back into zone coverage that could be used well in a 3-4 type scenario.

10. San Francisco 49ers – QB Mark Sanchez (USC)

San Francisco would likely try to avoid drafting another quarterback in this year’s draft, but they may not be able to pass up Sanchez if he is still available. If they can not come to terms with accepting that decision, then the trading down option could be the best scenario for San Francisco to consider.