Bengals vs. Commanders: Betting Insights for Week 3 – Time for a Cincinnati Breakout
Expect a High-Scoring Affair as Bengals Seek First Win Against Struggling Commanders Defense
Kate Constable - Sep 23, 2024, 6:00pm EDT
The Bengals are one of nine teams that entered Week 3 with an 0-2 record. Of the seven teams that played on Sunday, six secured a win. The only team to fall to 0-3 was the Titans after losing to the Packers. The Jaguars are also 0-2 but will play tonight in the first game of the Monday Night Football doubleheader.
Cincinnati returns home, desperate for its first win of the season after a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead last weekend. Tonight’s matchup against the Commanders (1-1) offers a prime opportunity for the Bengals to finally find success, despite a third consecutive slow start to the season.
Joe Burrow faced one of the NFL’s top secondaries in Week 2 against Kansas City, yet still managed to throw for 258 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, Washington’s defense has struggled mightily this season, allowing Baker Mayfield to throw for 289 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, and Daniel Jones to notch 178 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. The Commanders rank last in PFF's coverage grades and 29th in pass rush grade. They also rank 31st in opponent success rate per pass, and 32nd in EPA allowed per dropback, according to Team Rankings.
Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense faces another tough challenge tonight, as the Bengals welcome back wide receiver Tee Higgins for his first game of the season. With Higgins and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the field, Burrow and Company will keep Washington's secondary on its heels all night.
Chase has been unusually quiet to start the season, with no touchdowns and just 10 catches for 97 yards through Week 2. Higgins’ return should help take some of the defensive focus off Chase, which is why I like Chase to finally have a breakout game and find the end zone (+110 on BetMGM).
I also expect Burrow to target Chase early in the game, both to get him into rhythm and to put immediate pressure on Washington’s secondary. Cincinnati cannot afford to start slow and allow Washington to stay in this game, especially given the Bengals’ own defensive struggles. The defensive line is banged up, with DTs Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill out, and Kris Jenkins and safety Von Bell listed as questionable. Rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels, known for his mobility, could exploit these weaknesses by extending plays.
Therefore, if the Bengals’ offense can come out firing, it will alleviate some of the pressure on their defense. A strong start would also allow Cincinnati to control the clock in the second half by running the ball effectively. With that in mind, I’m confident in the Bengals surpassing their first-half team total of 13.5 (-120) at BetMGM.
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