Chief Editor
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The Bengals have been a mess this season, from Joe Burrow’s calf to defensive issues and coaching. The Bengals offense is limited because of Burrow’s injury, and winning any game at this point in time would be huge to this team. The Cardinals have played better than expected, led by Quarterback Josh Dobbs. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys if the Cardinals are dangerous.
The Arizona Cardinals are currently searching for their second win after suffering defeat against the Commanders and Giants in weeks one and two, respectively. After upstaging the Cowboys with a 28-16 home victory as huge 10.5-point underdogs in week three, Arizona went on to cover the spread in three of four games, including their 34-16 road defeat at the 49ers on October 6.
Joshua Dobbs has been performing admirably while Kyler Murray remains on the PUP list, amassing 228 passing yards against the Giants and 265 passing yards against a formidable 49ers defense last week for an 815 passing yard total with no touchdowns and zero interceptions so far this season.
Arizona has relied on their running game for success. James Conner has recorded at least 52 yards in all four games he’s been in this season – logging 106 against the Giants! – amassing 318 rushing yards at an impressive average of 5.2 per carry and should thrive against an underachieving Bengals rush defense. Marquise Brown leads all receivers this year with 239 receiving yards while Michael Wilson follows closely behind with 237. Arizona offense has reached at least 28 points twice out of their last three contests!
The Cincinnati Bengals continue their nightmare season. They entered as a contender this year but have failed to demonstrate it on the field. After dropping two out of their opening three games – road loss to the Browns and a home loss to the Ravens- Cincinnati managed one win against the Rams 19-16 but then failed miserably against the Titans 27-3.
Joe Burrow is playing through a calf injury and not at 100% yet, recording 259 passing yards against the Rams but only 165 against the Titans – significantly below his usual standards of 728 yards passing with two touchdowns against two interceptions (TD:INT ratio).
The Bengals running game remains ineffective. Joe Mixon had an exceptional week last week, rushing for 67 yards – but did not get enough carries. Mixon now has 247 rushing yards at an average of 4.2 per rush; Ja’Marr Chase continues his steady production by amassing 141 receiving yards against both Rams and Titans, leading all Bengals players with 284 receiving yards; Higgins did not practice Thursday due to injury concerns but remains questionable; overall the Bengals offense ranks near the bottom in many categories, most likely due to Joe Burrow playing through injury as their offense ranks near the bottom in multiple areas. In contrast, their running game ranks 31st, the running game is last because it is not used nearly enough.
The Bengals are in a dangerous spot here, another loss, and that may be all she wrote for a Bengals team with high expectations. All news out of the Bengals camp has been positive so far this week on Burrow’s health. I will go with a desperate Bengals team in this one. Bengals 23 Cardinals 17.
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