The Cincinnati Bengals were able to take home the AFC North division crown in 2021 with a record of 10-7, giving them a home-field advantage in a Wild Card game. They will be hosting the Las Vegas Raiders, as the teams will be facing off for a second time this NFL season.
The Bengals won the first meeting 32-13, but the game was much closer than the score would indicate. Las Vegas cut the lead to 16-13 with just under 11 minutes remaining before the Bengals scored 16 points in a four-minute span late in the fourth quarter.
But, the playoffs are a different animal. The teams are both a little different from that Week 11 matchup, as they both head into the postseason playing great football.
The Bengals’ offense has become one of the most enjoyable units to watch in the league. They are an explosive bunch loaded with talent. What can we expect from them in this game? Here are three bold predictions for Cincinnati’s offense against Las Vegas this weekend.
3. Offensive Line Holds Up Against Raiders Pass Rush
One of the weak points of the Cincinnati Bengals throughout the season was the offensive line. Joe Burrow was battered again, much like in his rookie season. The Bengals had an explosive offense, but they struggled to keep him clean throughout the season.
Burrow was sacked 55 times and they allowed 109 quarterback hits. That number has to come down for the team to find sustained success and they will be challenged this week by the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Las Vegas has two excellent pass rushers in Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue. But, the Bengals’ offensive line will do their job in this matchup. Burrow will be sacked only once and pressured only three times as he is kept clean compared to the regular season.
2. Two Wide Receivers Break 100 Yards
Joe Burrow has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to throwing the ball. The Cincinnati Bengals have arguably the best pass-catching group in the NFL with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and C.J. Uzomah.
They will have plenty of opportunities to show out against the Raiders and two of them will surpass the 100-yard mark. However, it will not be Chase, who comes into the game off of a record-breaking season.
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After seeing so many highlights of him in recent weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders will do everything they can to slow him down. That will leave opportunities for Higgins and Boyd to take advantage of and they will.
Both Higgins and Boyd will surpass the 100-yard mark, as Chase will play more of a complementary and decoy role, allowing his teammates to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
1. Joe Mixon Has Big Day
The Las Vegas Raiders are going to have their hands full slowing down the potent passing attack the Cincinnati Bengals have. But, where the game will truly be decided is on the ground with Joe Mixon.
Mixon ran for 123 yards in the first meeting on 30 carries. The Bengals were committed to the run in Week 11 and will be once again in the Wild Card game.
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Mixon will surpass that total, rushing for at least 125-yards and two touchdowns in the game. He will be the team’s MVP in this matchup, as he will wear the Raiders defense down throughout the game before helping ice things away in the fourth quarter in a game that will be decided by one score.
