Can we keep the winning streak going?
Jamie Wroe
What a win. What an amazing win. And as bad as Pittsburgh were (and god they were bad – beautifully cathartically bad) the Bengals were disciplined and efficient. Onto LoSan Diegoles. I have no idea how good they’re going to be. Ferocious one week and cupcake the next. But I have a bit of a superstitious theory – allow me to pick against the Bengals to indulge it. Chargers 33 Bengals 27
Jim Bingham
Still basking in the delightful rays of cuddly loveliness from last week’s merciless destruction of that lot from the banks of the three rivers, all thoughts now turn to the visit of The Chargers of LA. This chance must be grabbed with both paws, and a repeat of the Jets debacle after a similar win avoided. Hopefully the boys will have learned from that, and with the post-season now tantalisingly in view, can ignore the noise and get down to business in a business-like fashion. I cannot see this being one-sided in either direction, and with Herbert slinging arrows be prepared to be very, very, nervous. If the lads can get Mixon going early I fancy them to win, but they have got to feed off the positive vibes in PBS and start quickly again. Should be another fascinating three-hours-plus of top-grade sport, and I’m going to plump for a very narrow victory, with a Sam Hubbard sack sealing victory in the final 60 seconds. Chargers 26 Bengals 27
Paris Pinney
After basking in the humiliation of the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend, Bengals fans attention now turns towards a pivotal matchup this Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium versus the LA Chargers. The Chargers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Broncos, but remain a very dangerous team at 6-5; both this Sunday and as a fellow playoff contender in the AFC.
Both teams share a lot of similarities with two young studs at QB in Burrow and Herbert, two dynamic RBs in Mixon and Ekeler, a plethora of receiving weapons on both sides and difference makers on the defensive side of the ball such as Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Trey Hendrickson and Jessie Bates. The key difference between the teams and what could ultimately decide the contest is the Chargers inability to stop the run this season.
Coming into this game, the Chargers currently rank 32nd in the league against the run and after watching Joe Mixon trample the Raiders and Steelers: the approach to this game will more than likely be more of the same from the Bengals.
Much like the Bengals this season, the Chargers are a young team who have been up and down and lack consistency.
But they aren’t a team to be underestimated and if Justin Herbert is on top of his game, the Bengals defense could potentially be in for a torrid afternoon.
Why the NFL and TV networks decided not to flex a game between two of the best and most intriguing young QB’s in the league into a primetime spot is nothing short of bizarre; but that’s perhaps a question for another day.
I’m expecting a tight contest, in a back and forth affair. But with the Bengals making enough stops on defense and getting a couple of turnovers throughout the game, I’m predicting them to do just enough to ultimately come out on top and rise up to the dizzy heights of 8-4. Chargers 24 Bengals 31
Paul Hirons
Here we go then – a chance to keep this impressive winning streak going. And it’s against an inconsistent but dangerous Chargers team who have players who can and no doubt will hurt us. The key to this game is absolutely controlling TOP, which means running Mixon down the Chargers’ terrible run defense’s throat consistently and often. If Reiff and Hopkins can’t go, that makes things much more difficult, so look for them to run behind William and Big Spain. Mind you the Chargers are explosive, so I foresee a close game even though the Bengals will greatly outgain them in time of possession. A hugely winnable game, let’s hope we can limit their skill players and keep the run going. Home win. Chargers 27 Bengals 33
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