The Cincinnati Bengals return home to Paycor Stadium to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4 on Sunday. Joe Burrow and Co. are coming off their first loss of the season. They suffered a 30-27 road defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, after opening the year with wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.
Here are four bold predictions for Cincinnati’s Week 4 matchup as the Bengals look to move to 3-1 and stay in the AFC North race.
1. Ja’Marr Chase Goes for 120+ Yards and Multiple Touchdowns
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With Andrei Iosivas on injured reserve with a torn thumb ligament and rookie Colbie Young ruled out with a knee injury, the Bengals are thin at receiver. That might force Zac Taylor and Dan Pitcher to give Ja’Marr Chase an even bigger target share.
The five-time Pro Bowler recorded nine receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets against Pittsburgh. Chase will record his second multi-touchdown game of the season and finish with more than 120 receiving yards.
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen acknowledged earlier this week that stopping Chase in the open field is a top priority. Denver Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle racked up 138 receiving yards against Jacksonville in Week 2.
With Amarius Mims protecting Burrow on the edge, Chase should have opportunities to attack single coverage downfield and turn short throws into big gains.
2. Dexter Lawrence Gets Two More Sacks
Cincinnati’s revamped interior defensive line has been one of the defense’s most consistent areas through three games. Dexter Lawrence is also coming off a two-sack performance against Pittsburgh.
Jacksonville’s offensive line has struggled with interior pass protection. The defensive tackle can exploit that issue on passing downs when the Jaguars use empty sets.
The Jaguars might be forced into late cadences and silent counts if the home crowd brings the noise Zac Taylor requested to affect Trevor Lawrence’s pre-snap checks. That could allow the Bengals’ interior rush to attack quickly and collapse the pocket from the inside.
3. Amarius Mims Keeps His Clean Sheet
Amarius Mims has not allowed a quarterback pressure in three games this season. He has played 111 pass-blocking snaps without giving up a sack, hit, or hurry. Jacksonville will be his toughest test yet, with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker leading the Jaguars’ pass rush.
Taylor is expected to use more 12 personnel with Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson. It would give Mims extra help against the Jaguars’ pass rush. That support, along with Mims’ length and strength, should help keep Burrow’s front-side pocket clean throughout the afternoon.
4. Jordan Battle Forces Two Turnovers
Jordan Battle will force two turnovers as Cincinnati looks for a better performance from its secondary. He had a difficult afternoon in Pittsburgh while playing through injuries. Safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger are dealing with lower leg injuries. If they are unable to suit up on Sunday, Battle is expected to run the defense.
Trevor Lawrence is aggressive when looking for chunk plays down the seams to Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers. With Battle playing the deep half and reading the Jaguars QB in simplified zone looks, he could take advantage of rushed throws created by Cincinnati’s pass rush.
