Cincinnati Bengals vs. Green Bay Packers Preview & Picks

The Bengals put together a nice comeback in the 2nd half against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Thursday to set up a game winning field goal to beat the Jaguars 24-21. The Packers easily took care of the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday by a score of 27-17.

This will be the only meeting between the Bengals and the Packers this season.

Odds

The Packers are the favorite in this one on the road. The spread is -3 towards the Packers with the odds of -105 at that spread. The Bengals, at +3, have the odds of -115. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 50.5 with -110 odds to bet the over or under.

The moneyline for the Packers and Bengals to win the game is -150 and +130, respectively.

Keys to a Bengals Victory

The health of the Bengals’ running back, Joe Mixon, is a big factor in how well these young Bengals will fare against a talented Green Bay team. He did not practice on Wednesday which leads me to believe that he is doubtful for Sunday’s game. Samaje Perine will likely get the start if Mixon can’t suit up.

The fate of the game for the Bengals would land solely in the hands of Joe Burrow and the passing game to make up for the loss in the back field. He is completing 73% of his throws this season which has led to nine touchdowns and four interceptions. The Bengals will be hoping for another Burrow-Chase connection in the end zone.

The Bengals need to take more chances on the offensive side. When they mix up the play-calling, and give receivers more chances downfield, they have looked much more dangerous.

Keys to a Packers Victory

The Packers look like a completely different team after getting blown out by the New Orleans Saints in week one. The Packers were able to sign Jaylon Smith to help the struggling Green Bay defense after he was released by the Cowboys, but just lost another defender, Chauncey Rivers, to a season-ending injury.

The Packers’ offense, on the other hand, looks as strong as ever. This will be their main key to victory. Rodgers is completing 64.5% of his passes and has collected eight touchdowns and thrown two interceptions. Running back Aaron Jones is, again, limited in practice this week but is expected to play. He has three touchdowns so far this season.

Expected Outcome

This would be a really close matchup if Joe Mixon was able to play, but I fear that his absence gives a greater edge to the Packers. If the Packers defense can focus on the pass and not worry about the rush, they will fare much better in this game. The offensive threats on Green Bay are real and dangerous and might be too much for the Bengals D to cover.

I, also, wouldn’t put it past Burrow to pull some magic out of his bag of tricks in this one either.