Dec 30, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) holds the ball after scoring during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

In the impending rematch between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans, both teams will look to control many aspects of the game, especially those that they have done best in all season.

Let’s take a look at where each team has excelled during the 2012 regular season. We’ll also see which team is more proficient in each category of the game.

Let’s start with the offense.

In Cincinnati’s passing game, quarterback Andy Dalton has started all sixteen games. He has passed for 3,669 yards, and has 27 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. That has led to a season Quarterback Rating of 87.4.

In Houston’s passing game, quarterback Matt Schaub has started fifteen of sixteen games this season. He has passed for 4,008 yards, and has 22 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. That leads to a 90.7 Quarterback Rating.

Both quarterbacks have had less-than-stellar performances during the last three weeks. However, the advantage in the air attack goes to Houston, as Schaub has been more limited in committing turnovers this year.

In the Bengals running game, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is trying to return to full strength off of a hamstring injury  He had gained over 100 yards on the ground in four of his six previous games for Cincinnati. That is despite his mediocre 14 yards against Pittsburgh in Week 16.

Arian Foster is the well-known running back for the Texans, followed by Ben Tate to bring a very dangerous tandem on the ground. Foster is the workhorse for Houston, and will have a huge impact on the winner in this game.

The advantage in this matchup has to go to the Texans, as their running duo has the capability to carry the offense unlike that of any other team. Well, except for Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings.

Nov 18, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Carson Palmer. Just the name illuminates the head storyline for the upcoming game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Oakland Raiders. The former 8-year Bengals quarterback visits PBS for the first time since he wore a Cincinnati uniform on the field, and will look to lead his Raiders to a much-needed win against his former team.

To do that, he’ll have to beat the Red Rifle, the young Bengals quarterback that has his team on the brink of a second three-game winning streak this season. In the last two games, Andy Dalton has thrown 6 touchdown passes in comparison with no interceptions. Despite some problems early against the Chiefs on 3rd down, his accuracy has greatly improved during this time. It might be because he’s holding the ball a little longer in the pocket. Perhaps it’s coach Marvin Lewis’ push for the sophomore to be a leader. Whatever it is, it’s working. And Bengals fans can’t be too upset about that.

This game features two teams trending largely in opposite directions, as the Raiders have dropped their last three games. That isn’t all Palmers’ fault though, as he has actually passed for 3,035 yards on the season thus far, third in the league. However, passing so much has led to 11 interceptions, and with very little running game, and a non-existent defense, the Raiders haven’t had a lead very often of late.

Nov 11, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a stellar performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Giants. Andy Dalton threw a career-high four touchdown passes, all to different players. The offensive-line prevented a ferocious New York front-four from notching any sacks. The secondary practically shut down the Giants potent receivers, and created four turnovers. In essence, when it came time to look at the tapes, there probably wasn’t a whole lot to be upset about.

The real question is: Can the Bengals carry that momentum into a playoff run? If they’re going to, that run starts with a visit to Arrowhead stadium at 1:00 on Sunday afternoon, as the Bengals try to improve to an even record against the 1-8 Chiefs.

Many major statistics seems to suggest the Kansas City Chiefs don’t have the capability to match Cincinnati. Besides the fact that they have dropped their past six contests and are winless at home, the Chiefs rank in the bottom third (26th) in passing yards per game, which is where the Bengals have had issues on defense this season. However, what the record and passing yards does not show is the ability of the Chiefs to move the ball. Collectively, they’ve acquired 30 more first downs than the opponents they have faced. They also manage exactly 350 yards per game, in part due to the effective ground game behind running back Jamaal Charles. What’s even more, is that their defense is actually quite sound, especially against the pass attack that the Bengals rely on so much.