December 30, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger (99) misses a tackle as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) heads for the end zone at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Houston Texans last Sunday.  With a little help from the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, the Cincinnati Bengals are now faced with a  rematch at Reliant Stadium for the first wild card match-up on Saturday.

The wild card game last year ended in a 31-10 Texans victory, as the home team visibly controlled the second half.

However, with the two teams meeting in the postseason this time around, the rematch has a much different feel.

The Houston Texans were the AFC’s juggernaut the first two-thirds of this season, capturing an 11-1 record as they headed into New England in Week 13.

Since their 42-14 blowout at the hands of an impressive Tom Brady, the Texans haven’t been the same team.  The secondary has been battling injuries, and the offense has entered an uncharacteristic drought.

Those two things have been large reasons the Texans have dropped three of their past four contests.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, having won seven of their final eight games during the regular season.

The last two wins against division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore have to speak volumes for the young team’s momentum heading into the playoffs.

Dec 24, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington (58) in the first half during the game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Jermaine Gresham, TE-

Gresham is a solid tight end. His blocking continues to improve and his numbers have gotten better each of his first 2 seasons. He still isn’t being used to his potential. He has great hands and could be a very valuable piece to the Bengals’ offense. He can block and come off the line or he can split out wide like a receiver. He’s tough and fights for extra yards and can boost the red zone offense considerably. All he needs is more looks and opportunities and he will be a standout at TE.

Jermaine missed a couple of games last season due to injury, but still produced solid numbers. Being healthy this year and the hope of being a bigger part of the offense could make this a breakout year for him. He’s a perennial Pro Bowler in the making and a serious offensive weapon.

2012 Prediction- 65 receptions, 700 yards, 8 touchdowns

Jan 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the AFC Wildcard Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Andy Dalton, QB-

All Bengals fans and a lot of football fans were impressed with how Andy exceeded expectations last year. There is a lot our there about sophomore slumps and whether they are real or not. Regardless, Dalton will shine again this season. He has a lot of weapons and an upgraded offensive line. Add with that, a full offseason schedule and an expanded playbook, this season should give a better example of what kind of production to expect from him.

In his rookie season last year, Dalton threw for 3,398 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He is still going to make some mistakes as he continues to adjust to the NFL, but his numbers this year will be even better. He will be airing it out more this year and the running backs will play a bigger role in the passing game. His numbers will certainly go up.

2012 Prediction- 4,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, 15 interceptions