Washington Looks to Tame Burrow, Bengals With Strong Defense

Two division basement-dwellers face off as the Cincinnati Bengals head to Washington. The Bengals (2-6-1 SU, 6-2-1 ATS) had a wake-up call game last week as they were pummeled by the undefeated Steelers. Unfortunately for Cincy, Washington (2-7 SU, 3-5-1 ATS) presents some of the same problems Pittsburgh did with its strong defensive front.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The game opened with Washington as the favorite at -1.5 and that number can be found anywhere from -1 to -2 depending on the sportsbook. The total opened at 45.5 and has risen to 46.5 across the board.

Cincinnati News & Notes

It was a bit of a “Welcome to the NFL” moment for Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 10 as his offense managed just 10 points on the day.

To Burrow’s credit, he did not turn the ball over, but his offensive line was no match for Pittsburgh’s star-studded defensive front, which got to Burrow for four sacks and plenty of pressures. This week may not be much different as the Bengals’ brutal offensive line faces another terrible matchup.

When he does have time to throw, Burrow has been looking to rookie receiver Tee Higgins as a go-to option. Higgins has assumed the old A.J. Green role and is blossoming into the team’s top option on the outside. He was the lone bright spot for the Bengals offense last week, posting seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Washington News & Notes

Washington quarterback Alex Smith is truly one of the great stories of this NFL season. After returning from a potentially life-threatening leg injury, Smith is back in a starting role and coming off one of the most prolific games of his career.

Smith threw for 390 yards on 55 attempts in the team’s Week 10 loss to Detroit. Expect a bit less passing this week against one of the worst run defenses in football. Rookie freak-athlete Antonio Gibson scored two short touchdowns last week and could be poised for a breakout performance.

On defense, Washington’s pass-rushing unit will be licking its chops to get after Burrow with a Swiss-cheese offensive line the only thing in its way. Rookie sensation Chase Young, the second pick in the draft after Burrow, will lead the charge for the group.

Betting Pick: Washington -1.5

The bright spot for Washington this season has been its young, uber-talented defensive line. This is one of the biggest mismatches you will see this season, and we are one week removed from evidence of how Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense can be influenced by a quality pass rush. Even lowly Washington should be able to pull this one off at home.