Jacksonville Jaguars vs

Cincinnati Bengals Prediction

Cincinnati Bengals Preview

The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t lose last week, but they’re still searching for their first win as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Kickoff is set for 1:00 EST on Sunday, October 4, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. At home, the Bengals are favored by three points with the over/under set at 48.5 points. Keep reading to take a closer look at both teams and get our Bengals vs Jaguars prediction.

For a team that’s winless after three weeks, the Bengals haven’t been that bad this year. In three games, they’ve only been outscored by a total of eight points. A tie against the Eagles last week was surely a step in the right direction. Then again, the Bengals led by a touchdown late in the game and the defense failed to hold on for the win.

Despite the disappointing tie, rookie Joe Burrow seems to be coming along nicely. He threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns against Philadelphia despite A.J. Green not being a focal point of the offense. However, the Cincinnati offensive line continues to be a major issue. That unit allowed Burrow to be sacked eight times last week, meaning he’s taken 14 sacks in three games. The Bengals also rushed for just 49 yards on 18 carries in Week 3. Until the o-line can protect Burrow and generate a running game, the Bengals will continue to put a lot of pressure on the shoulders of their rookie quarterback.

Defensively, the Bengals have been a mixed bag thus far. But giving up a late touchdown to the Eagles last week is emblematic of the team’s defensive issues. The Bengals have just five sacks in three games and have been shredded on the ground in all three games. That’s not enough support for a team that’s trying to win with a rookie quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

In Jacksonville, the Jags have failed to capitalize on the positive momentum they had after surprising the Colts in Week 1. After looking competitive in a Week 2 loss to the Titans, the Jaguars failed to show up last Thursday against Miami, losing 28-13. Unfortunately, this was the Jacksonville most of us expected to see before the season that looked like a sure thing to get the first pick in next year’s draft.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew isn’t necessarily the problem, but that doesn’t mean he’s the solution to Jacksonville’s issues right now. He’s thrown three interceptions in his last two games and has been sacked 10 times in three games. Not having favorite receiver DJ Chark turned out to be a problem for Minshew, although Chark is expected to be back this week.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville defense might be the bigger concern at the moment. The Jags have given up 30-plus points in back-to-back games. It’d be fine if that happened against potent offensive teams, but when the Titans and Dolphins score over 30 points, it raises a red flag. With just three sacks in three games, the Jaguars aren’t doing enough to disrupt the passing game of opposing teams, which allows mediocre quarterbacks to put up impressive numbers against them.

Full Game Prediction

The biggest battle in this game figures to be the Cincinnati offensive line against the Jacksonville defense. If the Bengals can’t develop a running game or protect Burrow against the Jags, they won’t be able to do it against anybody. At the same time, Minshew should have a chance to look down the field, especially with Shark back in the lineup. With that in mind, there’s every chance this becomes a high-scoring game that could go either way.

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