With both teams making progress, it all boils down to one thing as far as the Cincinnati Bengals are concerned- redemption.
Back in October, the Bengals suffered a humiliating 27-0 beating at the hands of the Colts. And as the two teams find themselves on a different level, it remains to be seen if that rout could be repeated. Experts believe that this is highly unlikely.
A prime reason for that would be Jeremy Hill. While the Bengals were used to the usual Andy Dalton to A.J. Green connection, Hill with his quickness has given the Bengals another weapon in its arsenal. Hill has been instrumental in the ground attack of the Bengals seeing the rookie finish with an impressive 1,124 yards, just 5 yards shy of the franchise record in a single season. Hill's brilliance started since week 9 and has since been overwhelming.
On whether that would be enough for the Bengals remains to be seen though. Aside from playing host, the Colts are expected to run. The team has been relying heavily on its passing offense all season long so if there is one thing that fans and the Bengals can expect is that the Colts will try to run them off.
Which all boils down to how the Bengals can break that expected running game and force the Colts into some mistakes.
But odds favor the Colts, made even stronger with the return of Dwayne Hilton and T.Y. Allen back in the fold. There is also Andrew Luck who has been doing his share too. If kept upright, Luck could pose new problems for the Bengals who have been notorious as far as their ability to defend the pass-rushing end.
The Colts host the Bengals and hold a 4-point advantage according to Oddshark.com. (Cincinnati 26.1, Indianapolis 27).
Both teams face off this Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 1:05 p.m. ET at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana. The game will be televised via CBS. It can also be watched online here.
