The Cincinnati Bengals will put their perfect record on the line against the visiting Houston Texans on Monday night.
The Bengals (8-0) are off to their best start in franchise history. Playing under the lights has been somewhat of an issue in the past for quarterback Andy Dalton, but he took another step toward showing that this year is different with three touchdown passes and no turnovers in last Thursday's 31-10 win over Cleveland.
The Texans (3-5), winners in two of their last three games, have had an extra week to prepare for the unbeaten Bengals, who earned a 22-13 victory in Houston last season. An upset win would put them even with Indianapolis atop the AFC South. Houston is 3-1 coming off a bye over the last four seasons, also scoring a win last year in Bill O'Brien's first year as head coach.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Jaguars and Ravens:
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TEXANS
1.Don't dig an early hole on offense
Houston has scored just four first-half touchdowns through the first eight games of the season. Against an offense like Cincinnati's, that certainly won't cut it. If the Texans hope to keep pace in this one, they'll need to figure out a way to put points up early so they're not forced to play catch-up in the second half.
2. Limit explosive plays as much as possible
The Bengals are third in the NFL, averaging 28.6 points per game. Cincinnati is fourth in the league in passes over 20 yards this season with 35. The Texans are likely to be without starting corner Kareem Jackson, who sprained his ankle Week 6 against the Jaguars. That means it will be up to former Bengal Johnathan Joseph and rookie Kevin Johnson to slow down A.J. Green and the Cincinnati offense. If Houston gets into a shootout with the Bengals, the Texans will be at a major disadvantage.
3. Get the run game going
The Texans have one reliable offensive weapon in DeAndre Hopkins, but if they hope to keep pace with the Bengals, they'll need contributions for more than just their star receiver. Without Arian Foster, who is out with an Achilles injury, Houston needs to get some sort of production out of second-year back Alfred Blue against a stout Bengals' defensive line. If Houston can manage to establish offensive balance, it will help keep the defense honest and create more opportunities for Hopkins in the passing game.
BENGALS
1. Get it to Green early
When these teams met last year, the Texans had no answer for A.J. Green, who finished with 12 catches for 121 yards. Targeting Green early and often would force the Texans secondary to pick its poison. If it sends extra coverage Green's way, that would free up Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert to do some damage in the passing game.
2. Look out for Watt
The Bengals' offensive line is one of the best in the game, but it will have its hands full with J.J. Watt. Andrew Whitworth hasn't allowed a sack in over a year, but Cincinnati can't rely solely on him since Watt moves all over the line. Dalton also must be wary of Watt is on all passing downs because his long arms tend to intrude upon passing lanes.
3. Stop Hopkins
Since Hopkins is Houston's biggest threat, the Bengals defenders need to bottle him up and force the other Texans to beat them. Cincinnati should double cover Hopkins all day and take its chances on Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts.
