• Improved Houston’s all-time postseason record to 2-1 overall and 2-0 at Reliant Stadium.

• Advanced the Texans into the AFC Divisional Playoffs for the second consecutive season.

• Improved Houston’s all-time record against Cincinnati to 5-3 overall, 2-0 in the postseason and 3-1 all-time at Reliant Stadium.

THE TEXANS

• Won the time of possession battle for the first time in team postseason history and the 13^th time this season overall, holding the ball for 38:49.

• Scored first for the 10^th time this season and for the first time in team postseason history when they took a 3-0 lead on K Shayne Graham’s 48-yard field goal in the first quarter.

• Led after the first quarter for the first time in team playoff history and for the ninth time overall this year.

• Led at halftime for the second time in team postseason history and for the 11^th time overall this season. Houston led Cincinnati 17-10 in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff on 1/7/12.

• Led after three quarters for the second time in team postseason history and for the 11^th time overall this season.

THE TEXANS OFFENSE

• Gained 420 yards of total offense in the game and averaged 5.5 yards per play. Over the last eight weeks of the 2012 season, Cincinnati’s defense had held its opponents to an average of 282.0 yards per game, which ranked second in the NFL over that time frame.

• Outgained the Bengals 158-80 on the ground. It was the third consecutive postseason game in which the Texans outrushed their opponents. Houston improved to 3-0 all-time in postseason and 12-1 overall this season when outrushing the opposition.

• Ran the ball 39 times in the game. It was the 12^th game this season in which Houston ran the ball at least 30 times, and the Texans improved to 12-0 in those games. Under head coach Gary Kubiak, Houston improved to 45-5, including regular season and postseason games, when rushing at least 30 times.

THE TEXANS DEFENSE

• Held Cincinnati to 198 yards of total offense, which was the fewest surrendered in team postseason history. Houston previously held Baltimore to 227 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff (1/15/12).

• Held its opponent to fewer than 20 points for the second time in postseason play, limiting Cincinnati to 13 points. Houston improved to 2-0 in the postseason, 43-2 overall (including playoffs) under Head Coach Gary Kubiak, and 10-0 overall this season when holding its opponent to fewer than 20 points.

• Did not allow the Bengals offense to convert any of its nine third-down attempts in the game. It marked the first time since the 1989 playoffs that a team did not allow a single third-down conversion. The last team to do so was the Cincinnati Bengals against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on 1/8/89.

ILB CAMERON COLLINS

• Made his professional debut when he took the field on the opening kickoff. Collins was signed from the Texans’ practice squad on Friday, Jan. 4.

TE OWEN DANIELS

• Set a franchise postseason record with his ninth reception of the game. WR Andre Johnson caught eight passes for 111 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12), and RB Arian Foster matched that reception total today with eight catches for 34 yards.

• Recorded the second-most receiving yards in a playoff game in team history with 91, trailing WR Andre Johnson’s 111 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12).

• Extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 84, including regular season and postseason games, with an 8-yard catch in the first quarter.

RB ARIAN FOSTER

• Became the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 100 yards in each of his first three career playoff games. Foster finished the game with 140 yards on 32 carries. Overall, he was the eighth man in League history to run for more than 100 yards in three consecutive playoff games.

• Has rushed for 425 yards through his first three playoff games, the most by any player in NFL history through his first three career postseason games. The previous three-game high was 383 yards by Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor following the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

• Set the team postseason record with 32 rushing attempts, bettering his own previous high of 27 in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12).

• Caught eight passes in the game, which was tied for the second-most in a game in Texans postseason history behind TE Owen Daniels’ nine catches today. WR Andre Johnson caught eight passes for 111 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/151/2).

• Scored his fourth career touchdown in postseason play when he dove into the end zone from a yard away in the third quarter. Foster has scored at least one touchdown in all three of his career postseason games.

K SHAYNE GRAHAM

• Connected on a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter. It was the longest postseason field goal in his career and was also the longest in Texans history in postseason play. Graham’s previous long in the playoffs was a 35-yard kick on 1/16/11 in an AFC Divisional Playoff as a New England Patriot against the New York Jets. The previous long in Texans history was a 40-yarder by K Neil Rackers at Baltimore on 1/15/12 in an AFC Divisional Playoff.

• Set a team postseason record and postseason career high with four field goals in the game. K Neil Rackers hit two field goals in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12). Graham previously kicked two field goals in the 2011 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. the New York Jets (1/16/11) as a member of the New England Patriots.

• Set the franchise single-game scoring record with 13 points, topping the 12-point effort of RB Arian Foster in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff vs. Cincinnati (1/7/12).

WR ANDRE JOHNSON

• Extended his franchise-record streak of consecutive games with a reception to 99, including regular season and postseason games, with a 19-yard catch in the first quarter.

• Finished the game with four receptions for 62 yards

CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH

• Intercepted his second career pass in postseason play when he picked off Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton in the third quarter. Joseph also had an interception against Cincinnati in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff (1/7/12).

OLB BROOKS REED

• Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for no gain in the fourth quarter, raising his career postseason sack total to 4.5. He has recorded at least one sack in all three of his career postseason games.

QB MATT SCHAUB

• Made his playoff debut as a starter. He played briefly in the 2005 NFC Championship Game with the Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia (1/23/05) but did not record any statistics.

• Set franchise postseason single-game records for most completions (29), attempts (38) and yards (262). The previous marks were 17 completions, 35 attempts and 184 yards by T.J. Yates at Baltimore in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff (1/15/12).

DE J.J. WATT

• Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter, raising his career postseason sack total to 4.5. Watt has recorded at least one sack in all three of his career postseason games.

• Led the team with five tackles, all of which were solo stops, and recorded two tackles for loss and two passes defensed.

MISCELLANEOUS STATS

• Total paid attendance was a franchise-record 71,738. The previous high was 71,725 in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff vs. Cincinnati (1/7/12).

• The following players made their playoff debuts in the game: G Brandon Brooks, DE Jared Crick, TE Garrett Graham, CB Brandon Harris, T Ryan Harris, G Ben Jones, P Donnie Jones, WR Keshawn Martin, OLB Whitney Mercilus, S Eddie Pleasant and WR DeVier Posey.

• Inactive players for the Texans were G Antoine Caldwell, CB Roc Carmichael, FB Tyler Clutts, T Andrew Gardner, NT Terrell McClain, CB Stanford Routt and G Cody White.

• Captains for the Texans were ILB Tim Dobbins, WR Andre Johnson, FS Shiloh Keo, C Chris Myers, QB Matt Schaub, DE Antonio Smith and DE J.J. Watt. Schaub, Johnson and Smith went to midfield for the pregame coin toss.

• The Texans won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

THE TEXANS

·         Led after three quarters for the second time in team postseason history and for the 11^th time overall this season.

TE OWEN DANIELS

·         Set a franchise postseason record with his ninth reception of the game. WR Andre Johnson caught eight passes for 111 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12).

·         Has the second-most receiving yards in a playoff game in team history with 91 through three quarters. He trails WR Andre Johnson’s 111 yards in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12).

RB ARIAN FOSTER

·         Became the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 100 yards in each of his first three career playoff games. Foster has 113 yards on 26 carries through three quarters.

·         Scored his fourth career touchdown in postseason play when he dove into the end zone from a yard away in the third quarter. Foster has scored at least one touchdown in all three of his career postseason games.

CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH

·         Intercepted his second career pass in postseason play when he picked off Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton in the third quarter. Joseph also had an interception against Cincinnati in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff (1/7/12).

QB MATT SCHAUB

·         Set franchise postseason single-game records for most completions (25) and yards (218). The previous marks were 17 completions by T.J. Yates at Baltimore in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff (1/15/12) and 184 yards by Yates at Baltimore.

THE TEXANS

·         Scored first for the 10th time this season and for the first time in team postseason history when they took a 3-0 lead on K Shayne Graham’s 48-yard field goal in the first quarter.

·         Led after the first quarter for the first time in team playoff history and for the ninth time overall this year.

·         Led at halftime for the second time in team postseason history and for the 11th time overall this season. Houston led Cincinnati 17-10 in the 2012 AFC Wild Card Playoff on 1/7/12.

ILB CAMERON COLLINS

·         Made his professional debut when he took the field on the opening kickoff. Collins was signed from the Texans’ practice squad on Friday, Jan. 4.

TE OWEN DANIELS

·         Extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 84, including regular season and postseason games, with an 8-yard catch in the first quarter.

·         Caught seven passes for 73 yards in the first half. His six receptions are the second-most in a game in Texans postseason history, trailing WR Andre Johnson’s eight catches in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12).

K SHAYNE GRAHAM

·         Connected on a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter. It was the longest postseason field goal in his career and was also the longest in Texans history in postseason play. Graham’s previous long in the playoffs was a 35-yard kick on 1/16/11 in an AFC Divisional Playoff as a New England Patriot against the New York Jets. The previous long in Texans history was a 40-yarder by K Neil Rackers at Baltimore on 1/15/12 in an AFC Divisional Playoff.

·         Set a team postseason record and postseason career high with his third field goal of the game, a 22-yard kick in the second quarter. K Neil Rackers hit two field goals in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff at Baltimore (1/15/12). Graham previously kicked two field goals in the 2011 AFC Divisional Playoff vs. the New York Jets (1/16/11) as a member of the New England Patriots.

WR ANDRE JOHNSON

·         Extended his franchise-record streak of consecutive games with a reception to 99, including regular season and postseason games, with a 19-yard catch in the first quarter.

QB MATT SCHAUB

·         Made his playoff debut as a starter. He played briefly in the 2005 NFC Championship Game with the Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia (1/23/05) but did not record any statistics.

DE J.J. WATT

·         Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter, raising his career postseason sack total to 4.5. Watt has recorded at least one sack in all three of his career postseason games.

MISCELLANEOUS STATS

·         The following players made their playoff debuts in the game: G Brandon Brooks, DE Jared Crick, TE Garrett Graham, CB Brandon Harris, T Ryan Harris, G Ben Jones, P Donnie Jones, WR Keshawn Martin, OLB Whitney Mercilus, S Eddie Pleasant and WR DeVier Posey.

·         Inactive players for the Texans were G Antoine Caldwell, CB Roc Carmichael, FB Tyler Clutts, T Andrew Gardner, NT Terrell McClain, CB Stanford Routt and G Cody White.

·         Captains for the Texans were ILB Tim Dobbins, WR Andre Johnson, FS Shiloh Keo, C Chris Myers, QB Matt Schaub, DE Antonio Smith and DE J.J. Watt. Schaub, Johnson and Smith went to midfield for the pregame coin toss.

·         The Texans won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

THE TEXANS

·         Scored first for the 10th time this season and for the first time in team postseason history when they took a 3-0 lead on K Shayne Graham’s 48-yard field goal in the first quarter.

·         Led after the first quarter for the first time in team playoff history and for the ninth time overall this year.

ILB CAMERON COLLINS

·         Made his professional debut when he took the field on the opening kickoff. Collins was signed from the Texans’ practice squad on Friday, Jan. 4.

TE OWEN DANIELS

·         Extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 84, including regular season and postseason games, with an 8-yard catch in the first quarter.

K SHAYNE GRAHAM

·         Connected on a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter. It was the longest postseason field goal in his career and was also the longest in Texans history in postseason play. Graham’s previous long in the playoffs was a 35-yard kick on 1/16/11 in an AFC Divisional Playoff as a New England Patriot against the New York Jets. The previous long in Texans history was a 40-yarder by K Neil Rackers at Baltimore on 1/15/12 in an AFC Divisional Playoff.

WR ANDRE JOHNSON

·         Extended his franchise-record streak of consecutive games with a reception to 99, including regular season and postseason games, with a 19-yard catch in the first quarter.

QB MATT SCHAUB

·         Made his playoff debut as a starter. He played briefly in the 2005 NFC Championship Game with the Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia (1/23/05) but did not record any statistics.

DE J.J. WATT

·         Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter, raising his career postseason sack total to 4.5. Watt has recorded at least one sack in all three of his career postseason games.

MISCELLANEOUS STATS

·         The following players made their playoff debuts in the game: G Brandon Brooks, DE Jared Crick, TE Garrett Graham, CB Brandon Harris, T Ryan Harris, G Ben Jones, P Donnie Jones, WR Keshawn Martin, S Eddie Pleasant and WR DeVier Posey.

·         Inactive players for the Texans were G Antoine Caldwell, CB Roc Carmichael, FB Tyler Clutts, T Andrew Gardner, NT Terrell McClain, CB Stanford Routt and G Cody White.

·         Captains for the Texans were ILB Tim Dobbins, WR Andre Johnson, FS Shiloh Keo, C Chris Myers, QB Matt Schaub, DE Antonio Smith and DE J.J. Watt. Schaub, Johnson and Smith went to midfield for the pregame coin toss.

·         The Texans won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

Texans starting lineup changes
Barrett Ruud will start at inside linebacker for Tim Dobbins, who was placed on IR on Friday.

Bengals inactives
11 WR Dane Sanzenbacher
25 CB Jason Allen
33 S Chris Crocker
34 HB Daniel Herron
75 DT Devon Still
79 DT Brandon Thompson
89 TE Richard Quinn

Bengals starting lineup changes
Marvin Jones will start at wide receiver for Brandon Tate. Kyle Cook will start at center for Trevor Robinson. Robert Geathers will start at defensive end for Carlos Dunlap. Nate Clements will start at strong safety for Chris Crocker.

HOUSTON TEXANS

OUT
None

DOUBTFUL
G Antoine Caldwell (Back/DNP)

QUESTIONABLE
None

PROBABLE
CB Alan Ball (Foot/Limited), FB James Casey (Knee/Full), FB Tyler Clutts (Abdominal/Full), NT Shaun Cody (Back/Limited), TE Owen Daniels (Chest/Knee/Limited), RB Justin Forsett (Knee/Full), S Shiloh Keo (Ankle/Full), T Derek Newton (Knee/Limited), WR DeVier Posey (Foot/Full), OLB Brooks Reed (Groin/Limited), DE Antonio Smith (Ankle/Limited), G Wade Smith (Knee/Limited), RB Ben Tate (Foot/Full), QB T.J. Yates (R. Elbow/Full)

Notes: The Texans conducted a walk-through on Friday; statuses are listed as if an actual practice had been conducted. Texans ILB Tim Dobbins was placed on IR on Friday and taken off the injury report.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

OUT
None

DOUBTFUL
S Chris Crocker (Thigh/DNP)

QUESTIONABLE
CB Jason Allen (Hamstring/Limited)

PROBABLE
DE Wallace Gilberry (Illness/Full), HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Hamstring/Full), CB Leon Hall (Hamstring/Full), S Taylor Mays (Hamstring/Full), CB Terence Newman (Groin/Full), LB Dan Skuta (Thigh/Full)

HOUSTON TEXANS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
G Antoine Caldwell (Back), ILB Tim Dobbins (Ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Alan Ball (Foot), NT Shaun Cody (Back), TE Owen Daniels (Chest/Knee), T Derek Newton (Knee), OLB Brooks Reed (Groin), DE Antonio Smith (Ankle), G Wade Smith (Knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION
FB James Casey (Knee), FB Tyler Clutts (Abdominal), RB Justin Forsett (Knee), S Shiloh Keo (Ankle), WR DeVier Posey (Foot), RB Ben Tate (Foot), QB T.J. Yates (R. Elbow)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
S Chris Crocker (Thigh)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Jason Allen (Hamstring), DE Wallace Gilberry (Illness), HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Hamstring), CB Leon Hall (Hamstring), S Taylor Mays (Hamstring)

FULL PARTICIPATION
CB Terence Newman (Groin),  LB Dan Skuta (Thigh)

Country music star Clay Walker will perform on the field pregame. Fans can download the ring tone for his song, “It’s Football Time in Houston,” by clicking here.

Later on before kickoff, platinum R&B recording artist Brian McKnight will sing the national anthem. The halftime performer is Terry McDermott, a Scottish singer/songwriter who starred on the hit NBC show “The Voice.”

For the full list of gameday activities, click here.

Also, the first 65,000 fans in attendance will receive a Reliant Power Towel (pictured).

HOUSTON TEXANS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
G Antoine Caldwell (Back), ILB Tim Dobbins (Ankle)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Alan Ball (Foot), NT Shaun Cody (Back), TE Owen Daniels (Chest/Knee), T Derek Newton (Knee), OLB Brooks Reed (Groin), DE Antonio Smith (Ankle), G Wade Smith (Knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION
FB Tyler Clutts (Abdominal), RB Justin Forsett (Knee), S Shiloh Keo (Ankle), WR DeVier Posey (Foot), RB Ben Tate (Foot), QB T.J. Yates (R. Elbow)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
DE Wallace Gilberry (Illness)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
CB Jason Allen (Hamstring), S Chris Crocker (Thigh), HB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Hamstring), S Taylor Mays (Hamstring), CB Terence Newman (Groin)

FULL PARTICIPATION
LB Dan Skuta (Thigh)

The Ravens beat the Texans 29-14 at Baltimore in Week 6. It was closer than the score indicates, as the Texans led 14-13 midway through the third quarter before the Ravens scored the final 16 points. The Texans did not have wide receiver Andre Johnson in that game, although they did have quarterback Matt Schaub.

Running back Arian Foster was limited to 49 yards on 15 carries (3.3 average) and dropped two passes, including one on third down in Ravens territory with 11 minutes remaining as the Texans were driving to try to take the lead. The Texans drove into Ravens territory seven times but only came away with points twice.

“It’s going to be a good game,” Foster said on Saturday. “The good thing about the playoffs is that everyone starts out at 0-0. We’re 1-0 right now so we have a little momentum going into Baltimore but they’re going to be well rested and have great leadership on their defense. It’s just an honor and a privilege to play against those players with my players on this stage. This is what athletes dream of.”

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was 20-of-33 for 305 yards and one interception in Week 6, including eight passes for 132 yards to wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Ravens running back Ray Rice had 101 rushing yards on 23 carries.

“You watch the film the first time we played them, we were with them the whole game except a couple deep passes,” Texans linebacker Brian Cushing said. “We’re just going to try to limit them as best we can, get after Flacco, apply the pressure and play better defensive ball.”

The Ravens were 8-0 at home this season. They outscored opponents 190-105, an average score of 23.7 to 13.1. The Texans were 5-3 on the road. After losing to the Ravens on Oct. 16, they went on a seven-game winning streak to clinch the AFC South.

“They’re such a good football team,” Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. “We feel like that game kind of turned our season. We felt like we could have played a whole lot better against them than we did, so we get an opportunity to do that.”

The Bengals won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Texans received the opening kickoff.

First quarter

7:34: Bengals 7 — Texans 0

Bengals running back Cedric Benson runs for a one-yard touchdown on first-and-goal.

Drive summary: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:23

Key plays: Texans safety Glover Quin was penalized 52 yards for pass interference on the second play of the drive on a deep pass from Andy Dalton to A.J. Green over the middle. On third-and-seven from the Houston 17, Dalton completed a 16-yard screen pass to Brian Leonard. Benson scored on the next play.

4:57: Texans 7 — Bengals 7

Texans running back Arian Foster runs for an eight-yard touchdown on first-and-goal.

Drive summary: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:37

Key plays: On the second play of the drive, Foster made a 20-yard cutback run to the left side to the Houston 44. Texans quarterback T.J. Yates hit tight end Owen Daniels over the middle for 21 yards on the next play. Bengals safety Reggie Nelson was flagged 15 yards for unnecessary roughness to move the ball to the Cincinnati 20. Foster ran for eight yards, then four yards, then scored and punctuated the touchdown with a “Dream Shake” celebration in homage to Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon.

Second quarter

7:09: Bengals 10 — Texans 7

Bengals kicker Mike Nugent makes a 37-yard field goal.

Drive summary: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:15

Key plays: On third-and-one from the Cincinnati 29, Dalton ran up the middle for two yards and a first down. On the next play, he hit tight end Donald Lee for a 36-yard pass. Lee appeared to fumble after the play, and defensive end Antonio Smith was flagged 15 yards for a personal foul in the ensuing scramble. That moved the ball to the Houston 18-yard line.

1:48: Texans 10 — Bengals 10

Texans kicker Neil Rackers makes a 39-yard field goal.

Drive summary: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:21

Key plays: Yates hit wide receiver Kevin Walter for 11 yards on the second play of the drive. Three plays later on third-and-four from the Houston 37, Yates completed an eight-yard pass to Daniels. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis challenged the catch, but the ruling was upheld. Because Lewis lost a challenge earlier in the quarter, that left the Bengals without of challenges for the rest of the game.

0:52: Texans 17 — Bengals 10

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt scores on a 29-yard interception return.

Drive summary: N/A

Key plays: Watt jumped up and snatched Dalton’s pass behind the line of scrimmage, then dashed all the way to the north end zone.  He became the sixth defensive lineman in NFL history and first rookie defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown in the playoffs, not including the Super Bowl.

Third quarter

1:08: Texans 24 — Bengals 10

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson catches a 40-yard touchdown pass on second-and-eight.

Drive summary: 9 plays, 83 yards, 4:37

Key plays: On the second play of the drive, Foster picked up 15 yards on a screen pass. Yates hit Foster for a 12-yard pass up the middle two plays later.  On third-and-six from the Houston 49, Johnson made a bobbling nine-yard catch for a first down. He caught his first-career playoff touchdown two plays later on a streak down the left sideline.

Fourth quarter

5:15: Texans 31 — Bengals 10

Foster runs for a 42-yard touchdown on third-and-seven.

Drive summary: 3 plays, 45 yards, 1:46

Key plays: Free safety Danieal Manning gave the Texans a short field with a leaping interception of Dalton on pass intended for Green. Foster scored three plays later, tiptoeing down the right sideline behind a nice downfield block by Jacoby Jones and shoving off a would-be tackler on his way to the end zone.

Texans inactives
7 QB Jeff Garcia
15 WR Jeff Maehl
26 CB Brandon Harris
33 FS Troy Nolan
61 G Thomas Austin
66 T Andrew Gardner
88 TE Garrett Graham

Texans starting lineup changes
None

Bengals inactives
26 S Taylor Mays
31 S Robert Sands
52 LB Dontay Moch
60 G Otis Hudson
73 OT Anthony Collins
85 WR Armon Binns
98 DT Nick Hayden

Bengals starting lineup changes

HOUSTON TEXANS

Questionable
CB Jason Allen (Back/Full), LB Bryan Braman (Neck/Limited), S Troy Nolan (Ankle/Full)

Probable
G Mike Brisiel (Ankle/Full), G Antoine Caldwell (Ankle/Full), FB James Casey (Knee/Full), NT Shaun Cody (Knee/Full), TE Owen Daniels (Knee/Full), TE Joel Dreessen (Knee/Full), RB Arian Foster (Knee/Full), WR Andre Johnson (Hamstring/Full), WR Bryant Johnson (Thigh/Full), CB Johnathan Joseph (Achilles/Full), CB Sherrick McManis (Ankle/Full), C Chris Myers (Knee/Full), T Derek Newton (Hip/Full), S Glover Quin (Ankle/Elbow/Full), T Eric Winston (Calf/Full), QB T.J. Yates (L. Shoulder/Full)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Doubtful
S Taylor Mays (Hamstring/DNP), LB Dontay Moch (Illness/DNP)

Probable
DT Geno Atkins (Achilles/Full), HB Cedric Benson (Foot/Full), C Kyle Cook (Foot/Full), S Chris Crocker (Knee/Full), QB Andy Dalton (Illness/Full), DE Jonathan Fanene (Non-Injury/Full), DE Frostee Rucker (Shoulder/Full)

G Mike Brisiel (Ankle), TE Owen Daniels (Knee),

There are plenty of giveaways for those who do. As with every Texans home game, within the first 30 minutes of the gates opening at 2 p.m. CT, fans have a chance to receive a $100 gift certificate to 5115 Restaurant & Lounge. A total of $10,000 in gift certificates will be given out.

Beyond that, Verizon has generously offered an additional incentive for fans to arrive before kickoff. The Texans will select 10 lucky fans who get in their seats within the first 30 minutes of the gates opening to receive one of these autographed items, courtesy of Verizon:

-1 LB Brian Cushing football
-1 LB Cushing authentic jersey
-1 TE Owen Daniels football
-1 WR Andre Johnson authentic jersey
-1 WR Andre Johnson authentic helmet
-1WR Jacoby Jones football
-1 LB DeMeco Ryans football
-1 LB DeMeco Ryans authentic jersey
-1 QB Matt Schaub football
-1 OLB Mario Williams authentic jersey

A fourth-year NFL official and second-year referee, Blakeman called one Texans game this season – their 17-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 at Reliant Stadium. So the Texans are 1-0 in games officiated by Blakeman, for whatever that’s worth.

The Texans were penalized nine times for 64 yards in that game, compared to five penalties for 45 yards on the Steelers. Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph had two touchdowns nullified by penalties. The first came on a blocked field goal at the end of the first half; Blakeman called an illegal block in the back on free safety Danieal Manning. The second came on an interception return in the fourth quarter; Blakeman flagged defensive end J.J. Watt for a late hit in the end zone on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Blakeman, who wears number 34, was a field judge for two seasons before being promoted to referee in 2010. He played quarterback at Nebraska from 1983-87 and later became an official in the Big 12 conference.

The rest of Blakeman’s crew for Saturday: Umpire Bruce Stritesky (#102), Head Linesman Tony Veteri (#36), Line Judge Jeff Seerman (#45), Field Judge Buddy Horton (#82), Side Judge Greg Meyer (#78), Back Judge Terrence Miles (#111), Alternates Tom Barnes (#55) and Lee Dyer (#27), Instant Replay Asssistant Dick Creek.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Jason Allen (Back), LB Bryan Braman (Neck), G Mike Brisiel (Ankle), TE Owen Daniels (Knee), S Troy Nolan (Ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
G Antoine Caldwell (Ankle), FB James Casey (Knee), NT Shaun Cody (Knee), TE Joel Dreessen (Knee), RB Arian Foster (Knee), WR Andre Johnson (Hamstring), WR Bryant Johnson (Thigh), CB Johnathan Joseph (Achilles), CB Sherrick McManis (Ankle), C Chris Myers (Knee), T Derek Newton (Hip), S Glover Quin (Ankle/Elbow), T Eric Winston (Calf), QB T.J. Yates (L. Shoulder)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Did Not Participate in Practice
DE Jonathan Fanene (Non-Injury), S Taylor Mays (Hamstring), LB Dontay Moch (Illness)

Limited Participation in Practice
DT Geno Atkins (Achilles), QB Andy Dalton (Illness), DE Frostee Rucker (Shoulder)

Full Participation in Practice
HB Cedric Benson (Foot), C Kyle Cook (Foot), S Chris Crocker (Knee)

HOUSTON TEXANS

Did Not Participate in Practice
LB Bryan Braman (Neck)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Jason Allen (Back), G Mike Brisiel (Ankle), TE Owen Daniels (Knee), CB Johnathan Joseph (Achilles), T Derek Newton (Hip), S Troy Nolan (Ankle)

Full Participation in Practice
G Antoine Caldwell (Ankle), FB James Casey (Knee), NT Shaun Cody (Knee), TE Joel Dreessen (Knee), RB Arian Foster (Knee), WR Andre Johnson (Hamstring), WR Bryant Johnson (Thigh), CB Sherrick McManis (Ankle), C Chris Myers (Knee), S Glover Quin (Ankle/Elbow), T Eric Winston (Calf), QB T.J. Yates (L. Shoulder)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Did Not Participate in Practice
OT Anthony Collins (NIR), QB Andy Dalton (Illness), S Taylor Mays (Hamstring), LB Dontay Moch (Illness), DE Frostee Rucker (Shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice
HB Cedric Benson (Foot), C Kyle Cook (Foot), S Chris Crocker (Knee)

THE WIN…

·         Was the first in postseason play in franchise history.

·         Made Houston the sixth expansion franchise since 1976 to win its playoff debut, joining Carolina (1996), Jacksonville (1996), Baltimore (2000), Seattle (1983) and Tampa Bay (1979). The Cleveland Browns, who returned to play in 1999, lost in their first playoff appearance in 2002.

·         Was the first for a Houston pro football franchise since December 29, 1991 when the Houston Oilers defeated the New York Jets 17-10 in an AFC Wild Card Playoff Game.

THE TEXANS…

·         Outrushed the Bengals 188-65. Houston outrushed its opponents 11 times during the regular season and was 8-3 in those games.

·         Posted a plus-three turnover margin, intercepting three passes while not giving the ball away. The Texans were 6-2 in the regular season when they had a positive turnover margin.

·         Scored 14 points off of three takeaways. During regular-season play, the Texans scored 119 points off of 27 takeaways.

·         Led at halftime and after the third quarter. Houston led at intermission and after three quarters 11 times each in the regular season and went 8-3 in those games in both instances.

·         Were tied at the end of the first quarter. Houston was only tied after the first quarter once in the regular season and won that game.

·         Set a franchise attendance record with a crowd of 71,725, topping the previous mark of 71,585 earlier this year vs. Pittsburgh (10/2).

·         Team captains were WR Andre Johnson and C Chris Myers on offense; ILB Brian Cushing, ILB DeMeco Ryans and DE Antonio Smith on defense; and K Neil Rackers representing the special teams.

·         The Bengals won the toss and deferred the option to the second half. The Texans elected to receive the opening kickoff.

TEXANS PLAYOFF FIRSTS…

·         First play from scrimmage: RB Arian Foster carried up the middle for 5 yards.

·         First run: 5-yard run by Arian Foster.

·         First pass: incomplete pass from QB T.J. Yates to WR Andre Johnson.

·         First penalty: false start by RB Arian Foster.

·         First tackle: ILB Brian Cushing stopped Cincinnati RB Cedric Benson for a 2-yard gain.

·         First punt: 56-yard punt by Matt Turk, returned 7 yards by Brandon Tate.

·         First punt return: 2-yard return by WR Jacoby Jones in the first quarter.

·         First completion: 20-yard pass from QB T.J. Yates to WR Andre Johnson.

·         First first down: 20-yard pass from QB T.J. Yates to WR Andre Johnson.

·         First touchdown: 8-yard run by RB Arian Foster in the first quarter.

·         First kickoff: Neil Rackers kicked off in the first quarter. The kick went 9 yards deep in the end zone and was kneeled down for a touchback.

·         First sack: OLB Brooks Reed sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a 9-yard loss in the second quarter.

·         First interception: DE J.J. Watt intercepted Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter.

·         First lead: The Texans took a 17-10 lead with :52 remaining in the first half when DE J.J. Watt returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown.

·         First touchdown pass: QB T.J. Yates hit WR Andre Johnson for a 40-yard score along the left sideline with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter.

·         33 Texans made their postseason debuts: ILB Mister Alexander, OLB Connor Barwin, OLB Bryan Braman, RG Mike Brisiel, LT Duane Brown, DE Tim Bulman, G Antoine Caldwell, FB James Casey, NT Shaun Cody, ILB Brian Cushing, TE Owen Daniels, TE Joel Dreessen, RB Arian Foster, CB Kareem Jackson, DE Tim Jamison, WR Andre Johnson, WR Bryant Johnson, WR Jacoby Jones, FS Shiloh Keo, CB Brice McCain, CB Sherrick McManis, NT Earl Mitchell, OLB Jesse Nading, T Derek Newton, SS Glover Quin, OLB Brooks Reed, ILB DeMeco Ryans, RB Ben Tate, FB Lawrence Vickers, DE J.J. Watt, LS Jon Weeks, RT Eric Winston and QB T.J. Yates.

ILB BRIAN CUSHING

·         Finished with a game-high eight tackles, including five solos and one tackle for loss. Cushing either led the team or tied for the team lead in 10 of Houston’s 16 regular-season games.

RB ARIAN FOSTER

·         Scored the first touchdown in Houston Texans postseason history when he ran around left end for an 8-yard touchdown with 4:57 remaining in the first quarter.

·         Surpassed 100 rushing yards on his 19th carry of the day, a gain of 7 yards in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 153 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns.

·         Became the seventh undrafted player to rush for more than 100 yards in a playoff game, and his 153 rushing yards were the third-most by an undrafted player.

Player                Date             Tm   Opp  Att    Yds   Avg     Lg     TD
Arian Foster        1/7/2012       Hou  Cin    24     153   6.4       42t    2
Willie Parker       1/11/2009     Pit     SD    27     146   5.4       27     2
Ryan Grant         1/12/2008     GB    Sea    27     201   7.4       43     3
Dominic Rhodes 2/4/2007       Ind    Chi    21     113   5.4       36     1
Priest Holmes      1/11/2004     KC    Ind    24     176   7.3       48     2
Derek Loville      12/27/1997   Den   Jac    11     103   9.4       44     2
Dan Doornink     12/22/1984   Sea    LAA 29     126   4.3       -        0

·         Scored his second touchdown of the game on a 42-yard run in the fourth quarter.

WR ANDRE JOHNSON

·         Caught his first career pass in postseason play for a gain of 21 yards in the first quarter. He finished the game with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

·         Caught his first career touchdown pass in postseason play and the first touchdown pass in Texans playoff history when he hauled in a 40-yard scoring strike from QB T.J. Yates in the third quarter.

CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH

·         Recorded his first career interception in postseason play and his first at Reliant Stadium this season when he picked off Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton in the fourth quarter.

FS DANIEAL MANNING

·         Intercepted a pass from Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton in the fourth quarter. It was Manning’s first career pass in seven postseason games.

K NEIL RACKERS

·         Booted his seventh career field goal in postseason play when he hit a 39-yard attempt in the second quarter.

DE ANTONIO SMITH

·         Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a loss of 8 yards in the third quarter. It was Smith’s third career sack in postseason play. He had 2.0 sacks in the 2008 playoffs for the Arizona Cardinals, getting one each vs. Atlanta on 1/3/09 and one at Carolina on 1/10/09.

DE J.J. WATT

·         Intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. It was Watt’s first career interception in either regular season or postseason play and the first defensive touchdown in Texans postseason history.

Player                   Date          Tm   Opp     Int    Yds   Avg  Lg        TD

J.J. Watt                 1/7/2012    Hou  Cin       1       29     29.0  20t       1
B.J. Raji                 1/23/2011  GB    Chi       1       18     18.0  18t       1
Clyde Simmons     12/28/1996         Jac       Buf   1       20     20.0     20t 1
Michael Carter       1/12/1991  SF     Was     1       61     61.0  61t       1
Darryl Grant          1/22/1983  Was  Dal       1       10     10.0  10t       1
Jack Youngblood   12/27/1975         LAN    StL    1       47     47.0     47t 1

·         Sacked Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton for a 7-yard loss to end the second quarter. It was his first career sack in postseason play.

QB T.J. YATES

·         Threw the first touchdown pass in Houston Texans playoff history when he hit WR Andre Johnson on a 40-yard pass down the left sideline in the third quarter.

17-10: The score, in favor of the Texans
156-156: Total yards for both teams
104-79: Passing yards, in favor of the Bengals
77-52: Rushing yards, in favor of the Texans
17:15-12:45: Time of possession, in favor of the Bengals
3-72: Penalties-yards on the Texans
2-20: Penalties-yards on the Bengals
2: Unsuccessful challenges by Bengals coach Marvin Lewis
1: Interception returned for a touchdown by Texans DE J.J. Watt
1: Rushing touchdown by Texans RB Arian Foster
66.9: Passer for Texans QB T.J. Yates (6-of-13, 0 TDs, 0 INTs)
65.9: Passer rating for Bengals QB Andy Dalton (13-of-18, 0 TDs, 1 INT)
70: Rushing yards for Texans RB Arian Foster (12 attempts, 5.8 avg.)
9: Rushing yards for Bengals RB Cedric Benson (5 attempts, 1.8 avg.)
2:  Catches by Texans WR Andre Johnson (37 yards)
4: Catches by Bengals WR A.J. Green (42 yards)
2: Sacks by the Texans’ defense (Brooks Reed, J.J. Watt)