Spin Zone Game Of The Week: Packers vs Bengals

Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Soriano
The matchup between the Packers and Bengals is such a difficult one to project, and it really is the best matchup we have on tap this week. Both teams could win this game if they are able to take advantage of one weakness, and this game could come down to how good Aaron Rodgers is and how good the Bengals are at putting pressure on him.

The Bengals are clearer the more well-rounded team, because they have the better defense and running game. But the Bengals have their own question marks in the secondary despite talents like Leon Hall, and that’s because stopping an offense like the Packers is just on an entirely different level. With Eddie Lacy likely out, the Packers need James Starks to step up again in order to give them a balanced offense. The Bengals defense is so deep and talented, but it’s also difficult for me to pick against Aaron Rodgers in a game like this.

I’m a sucker for the team that looks deeper, so I think the Bengals will win in a really close one and do enough to keep Rodgers from torching them enough to get the win.

Bengals 27, Packers 24

Ernie Padaon
Hard Knocks vs Aaron Rodgers and the discount double check. Rodgers is coming off a really good game, but will be facing a tough Cincinnati Bengals defense this time around. I still think that he has too much firepower and should be able to put up enough points to get past the Bengals.

Packers 28 – Bengals 17