ClutchPoints
The Jacksonville Jaguars are flying high after their Week 1 win, but things get tougher in Week 2 as they head to Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. With Joe Burrow under center and a raucous home crowd behind them, the Bengals are slight favorites. That doesn’t mean the Jaguars are walking in quietly, though. This is the type of matchup where both teams have plenty at stake early in the season.
The Bengals host the Jaguars in Week 2, with oddsmakers giving the edge to the home team. Cincinnati apparently enters as a 3.5 to 5.5-point favorite. They hold a 60–68 percent win probability in several simulations. The Jaguars, meanwhile, face the challenge of reversing a poor track record on the road. That’s where they’ve gone just 1-11 in their last 12 contests, including struggles specifically against the Bengals on their home turf.
Still, Jacksonville carries momentum from a Week 1 victory powered by Travis Etienne’s explosive rushing and a defense that capitalized on key opportunities. For the Jaguars to stay competitive, they’ll need balanced execution on offense. If Trevor Lawrence settles into rhythm and Etienne sustains his form, Jacksonville has a real chance to test a Bengals squad still finding its footing early in the season.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Jaguars and the Bengals in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
The Jaguars’ secondary better watch out here. Joe Burrow is going to play like a man possessed after a sluggish Week 1 outing. Expect him to torch Jacksonville’s defensive backs with three to five touchdown passes in a statement win. Burrow was a popular preseason pick for MVP, but after completing just 60.9 percent of passes for 113 yards and one touchdown in Week 1 against Cleveland, he knows he must raise his level.
Burrow thrives in bounce-back spots, of course. As such, this game sets him up perfectly. If Cincinnati’s offensive line gives him time, he’ll carve up a secondary that has been prone to lapses. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase should feast on mismatches, and Burrow’s precision could overwhelm a defense that lacks elite coverage depth. If he catches fire early, this game could get out of hand quickly.
One of the most intriguing wrinkles for Jacksonville is the two-way role of Travis Hunter. Head coach Liam Coen confirmed that Hunter will see more defensive snaps in Week 2. That adds an unpredictable layer to this contest. In Week 1, Hunter logged six defensive plays and recorded a tackle. He also caught six passes for 33 yards.
Against Cincinnati’s dynamic passing attack, every coverage body matters. If Hunter plays 8-10 snaps on defense, his length and athleticism could help slow Burrow’s deep-ball attempts. It’s rare to see...
