Quarterbacks
Even though the Texans are 1-2 in their last three games, David Carr is a hot quarterback. He is 45-for-77 passing for 669 yards, three TDs, no interceptions and a 100.0 passer rating.

Jon Kitna gets his fourth consecutive start, and the Bengals offense has been markedly more productive with him in the lineup. He must stay away from point-stealing interceptions.

Edge: Texans

Running Backs
The tailback-by-committee approach has worked. James Allen has 297 yards and rookie Jonathan Wells has 267. Houston has had just enough of a run game to keep defenses honest.

This is the one area of the Bengals that's most productive. Corey Dillon's among the best. Coaches should put more of hard-hitting Lorenzo Neal in the game plan. A treat to watch.

Edge: Bengals

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Corey Bradford is a deep threat. And backup tight end Billy Mitchell has made the most of his time with three touchdown catches. Starting TE Rod Rutledge will return.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Chad Johnson has emerged, whether he says so, as the team's go-to receiver. One of the reasons is his ability to beat tight, press coverage at the line and get open.

Edge: Texans

Offensive Line
Injuries have forced the Texans to juggle personnel on the line. The team's biggest question mark will have to contend with a Bengals front seven to get their pass rush going.

Big Willie Anderson at right tackle is playing some of the best ball of his distinguished career. Line will face stiffer test against Houston's front seven than Tennessee provided.

Edge: Bengals

Defensive Line
The Texans' starting line in the 3-4 of Gary Walker, Jerry Deloach and Seth Payne has started all seven games and provides the league's 10th-ranked defense with consistent pressure up front.

Today is the chance for Justin Smith and Reinard Wilson to pad their anemic sack total of one (between them). Tony Williams has played consistently well at tackle.

Edge: Texans

Linebackers
Quartet is coming up with big plays. Jamie Sharper leads with 84 tackles, and Kailiee Wong and Jeff Posey have combined for nine sacks. Jay Foreman (81 tackles) is fourth starter.

Brian Simmons and Takeo Spikes continue to heal up from neck and chest injuries. Play at third spot in Steve Foley's absence has been inconsistent. Need more big plays from LBs.

Edge: Even

Defensive Backs
Cornerback Aaron Glenn leads Houston with two interceptions and 11 passes defensed. The secondary is part of the NFL's eight-best pass defense at 190 yards a game.

The Bengals seemed to be in position but were beaten for three touchdowns last week. Carr and his receivers present a bigger challenge to secondary that needs the pass rush to awaken.

Edge: Texans

Coaching
Dom Capers has assembled a veteran staff that's long on NFL experience. They've done a good job of bringing the team along while realistically raising expectations in the process.

At about 4:10 p.m. today, we'll know whether Dick LeBeau's motivation risk of guaranteeing a victory panned out. Give the guy credit for trying just about anything to win.

Edge: Texans

Overall
This is a team on the rise and it's poised to jump into the race in the AFC South with a victory that would make it 3-5. A victory today is a strong possibility and would spring the Texans into the second half.

The Bengals appeared to tighten up the days immediately following LeBeau's guarantee. The team has a sharp, up-temp practice Thursday. Let's see if that carries over to the game.

Edge: Texans

Mark Curnutte's prediction: Texans 24, Bengals 20

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