NFL FREE PICK: Bengals +4

Cincinnati vs. Houston, 01/07/2012 16:30 EDT, Score: 10 - 31

Point Spread: +4/-106 Cincinnati

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

The Bengals went into the fourth quarter with a 19-10 lead over the Texans, but ended up losing the game on a last second touchdown pass. While the game will be played in Houston this time around, I like the Bengals to cover the 4-point spread. With two rookie quarterbacks I expect a close low scoring game that it won in the final minutes.

Both of these teams come into this game with pretty solid defenses, and I expect these defenses to be even better the second time around. The first time around the Texans turned the ball over four times, and I expect them to make a few more mistakes with T.J. Yates at quarterback.

In my opinion, the difference in this game is going to come down to quarterback play. My money is on Andy Dalton to out-perform Yates and lead the Bengals to a straight up win. I know the Texans have Arian Foster and Ben Tate in the running game, but winning in the playoffs is about who you have to make the big throw when you need it the most.

Cincinnati is 6-1-2 ATS in their last 9 road games and 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0. BET THE BENGALS +4