Does momentum mean anything?

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The first playoff game of this NFL season pits two teams going in opposite directions. The Houston Texans, once 10-1, lost three out of four to end the year, costing themselves home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the process. The Cincinnati Bengals come into the postseason winning seven of their past eight games, with their only loss in that span coming on a last-minute field goal.

Given the momentum of these two teams, should we expect the Bengals to win in Houston this weekend? Who is more likely to win in the playoffs, a strong team that finished the year badly, or a weaker team that played its best football in December?

To read more of why being a 'hot' team heading into the postseason doesn't mean much, become an Insider today.

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