Last meeting
Carson Palmer threw for 276 yards and a touchdown as the Bengals defeated the Texans, 20-14, in 2005.
Streaks
The Bengals have won the only three meetings between the franchises.
Last week
The host Bengals could never get on track in a 38-10 loss to the Steelers.. ... Matt Schaub threw a pair of touchdown passes as the host Texans defeated the Lions, 28-21..
Keep your eye on ...
Fitzpatrick's development:Carson Palmer will miss his third consecutive game with an elbow injury, giving another start to backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. The young signal-caller was sacked seven times against the Steelers and will face one of the league's top pass rushers this week in defensive end Mario Williams.
Air ball:Texans receiver Andre Johnson has averaged at least 150 receiving yards in the past three games. Johnson is third in the NFL with 45 receptions on the season, one behind the Bengals' T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is second with 46. Both receivers figure to have their share of targets.
Who's running the ball:Texans running back Steve Slaton ranks third among rookie running backs with 423 rushing yards. The third-round pick out of West Virginia has scored three touchdowns in his last three games. The Bengals have seen enough of Chris Perry and have elevated Cedric Benson, who will be making his second start against the Texans' 22nd-ranked rush defense.
Did you know?
Bengals receiver Chad Johnson has a reception in 99 consecutive games. ... Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones leads the team with 63 tackles. ... The Texans have won six of seven at home dating to 2007. ... Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has averaged 318 passing yards over his past three games.