Cincinnati Bengals: 2019 season pre-draft record prediction
By Kenn Korb
October
Week 5: vs. Arizona
This is probably Cincinnati most winnable game before the bye week. It’s their second home game of the season, facing another team with a brand new head coach, possibly led by a rookie quarterback. With what’s likely still going to be a suspect blocking group, this is the sort of game where Cincinnati stalwarts Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap should shine.
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Cincinnati 30, Arizona 17
Week 6: at Baltimore
Of all their division rivals, the Ravens may be the one Cincinnati is best suited to beat — but if it goes bad, it’ll go really bad. Cincinnati is 8-3 against them in the past 11 matchups, while A.J. Green has 886 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games against them. On the other hand, against the Ravens, Andy Dalton has eight games with two or more sacks, seven games with a sub-80 passer rating and four games with three or more interceptions. If Lamar Jackson hasn’t improved his passing ability, I lean towards a Cincinnati win.
Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 17
Week 7: vs. Jacksonville
Does Nick Foles make Jacksonville back into the 2017 juggernaut which nearly in the Super Bowl? Doubtful. Outside the friendly confines of a great offensive game-planner, he’s already proven that he’s not a game-changer. Add in how their defense has taken definitive steps back (especially regarding the pass rush) in the past year, and this is a prime opening for a close home win.
Cincinnati 23, Jacksonville 20
Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Will the Rams suffer the ignominious fate of many past Super Bowl losers and struggle the following year? Does having someone from last year’s Rams’ coaching staff give advantageous insights to Cincinnati? Both answers may well be yes; it still won’t make this game close.
Los Angeles Rams 37, Cincinnati 20