Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1) at Houston Texans (5-5)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at NRG Stadium, Houston – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Jenny Dell

*Keys to the game: Giovani Bernard returned to practice this week and, when paired with powerful rookie Jeremy Hill, gives the Bengals arguably the best backfield tandem in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson wants to ride them, because Houston has been a house of horrors for Bengals QB Andy Dalton.

Dalton threw zero touchdowns and four interceptions for a passer rating of 48.6 in two wild-card playoff losses to Houston in his first two seasons. The same approach used in last week’s contest in New Orleans — heavy reliance on the run, perhaps even leading with Hill, who has averaged 5.9 yards per carry while gaining 371 yards the last three weeks.

Anything Cincinnati can do to keep the ball — and Houston defensive end J.J. Watt’s feet — on the ground will increase its chances of winning. A good performance against the Saints last week could embolden coordinator Paul Guenther to go after Houston quarterback Ryan Mallett, who will be making his second NFL start, with an aggressive blitz package.

The Texans also welcome back their top offensive player — RB Arian Foster — and the game plan will strive to give the quarterback a supporting role.

*Matchup to watch – Foster and Alfred Blue vs. Bengals LB Rey Maualuga: Maualuga returned last week after missing four games with a hamstring injury while Foster sat out with a groin strain. Maualuga adds toughness and swagger back to the Cincinnati defense, which had become a turnstile against the run, dropping to 31st in the NFL entering last week.

*Player spotlight – Bengals FB Ryan Hewitt: Bernard and Hill get the credit, but in the locker room, Hewitt is considered one of the biggest reasons for the resurgence in the run game. His one-on-one collisions with ILB Brian Cushing, who returned to the lineup last week after missing two games with a knee injury, is a key battle within the battle.

*Fast facts: Foster rushed for 293 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff wins over the Texans. … Houston is 3-0 this season when it rushes 40 or more times. … Bengals WR A.J. Green has 18 career 100-yard games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Protecting the passer by using the power equipment at the Texans’ disposal works as long the game is tight. If they drop behind, Mallett is unproven and neither team is entirely certain how he will react.

*Our pick: Bengals 29-22