Bleeding Green Nation
How are you feeling about this matchup?
Over the last two weeks, we’ve learned that the Philadelphia Eagles are better than two of the very worst teams in the NFL.
But the question remains: just how good are they?
We’re going to find out more on that front with the Eagles taking on a Cincinnati Bengals team that’s arguably better than their record indicates.
Vic Fangio’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown since Week 4 but Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are probably going to break that streak. I think it’s safe to say that the Bengals’ quarterback is much, much better than Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones. If Burrow is able to get the ball out quick like Baker Mayfield did against the Eagles, well, Fangio’s going to need a better counter than he had against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles’ offensive approach will be really interesting in this one. For starters, will they FINALLY score a first quarter point?! Beyond that, how heavily will they lean on Saquon Barkley and running the football? Feels like they should probably do that a lot again. But they’ll probably still need more volume from Jalen Hurts and the passing attack, especially if they go down. The trick there is ... how does Fred Johnson hold up against Trey Hendrickson? The only two edge rushers with more sacks since 2020 are Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. And Johnson has struggled in pass protection.
The feeling here is we’ll see a competitive game that the Eagles lose. I originally had the Bengals covering but the unexpected Tee Higgins injury isn’t a good vibes feel for Cincy. I think the Eagles will get a “moral win” here, which is obviously much less satisfying than a real one. Just have a hard time predicting the Bengals dropping to 0-4 at home this season. Feels like they’re due.
For more, check out BGN’s weekly NFL game predictions and NFL picks against the spread.*
Suggested format:
Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: 24 to 23, Eagles lose.
Bold prediction: Ben VanSumeren scores a touchdown.
Your predictions:
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