Tag: Bengals

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Bengals in Week 11

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Cincinnati in Week 11.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

The Chargers meet the Bengals, who will be the toughest offensive test they’ve faced this season. However, Los Angeles’ defense has been the best in the league, and I think Jesse Minter will have his guys schemed up to make it difficult for Joe Burrow and company. The Bolts are rolling on offense, while Cincinnati’s defense has struggled. Chargers 27, Bengals 17

Alex K:

Cincinnati’s offense is the best Los Angeles has faced this season, but the Chargers are red-hot on offense as Justin Herbert has put himself squarely into the MVP conversation. LA has not scored more than 30 points all year, however. Chargers 27, Bengals 24

Spencer:

This will be a massive test for the Chargers defense, especially since it’s a must-win for the Bengals. The two quarterbacks are both playing phenomenal football, but the Bengals pull this one off, led by Ja’Marr Chase’s excellence on the outside. Bengals 24, Chargers 21

3 bold predictions for Chargers in Week 11 vs. Bengals

Sunday Night Football will be in Los Angeles for the Chargers-Bengals in Week 11, a huge matchup for AFC playoff implications.

We’ve got a huge matchup in Los Angeles that will have major implications on the AFC playoff picture. The Chargers are coming off three consecutive victories, and at this point, Jim Harbaugh’s unit seems destined for the postseason.

On the flip side, the Bengals fell to 4-6 last week and have hung on for dear life in the playoff picture. Here are some bold predictions for this week’s contest.

Quarterbacks combine for 550+ passing yards

The quarterbacks in this matchup, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, have been playing unbelievable football recently. Each of them is undoubtedly a top-10 quarterback in the NFL. Herbert has looked fully healthy since the team’s bye week and has been the main reason for their recent winning streak. Burrow is playing at an MVP level, as he’s the league leader in passing yards and tied for the most touchdown passes.

Joshua Palmer hauls in catch of 40+ yards

The Bengals’ pass defense is exceptionally vulnerable, allowing the 10th-most yards through the air in 2024. In particular, the Chargers offense should be able to target Cam Taylor-Britt on the outside. The Bengals cornerback has allowed 37 receptions this season, the 11th-most in the league. A guy like Palmer should be able to take advantage of this and connect on a deep ball with Herbert. Palmer has just one touchdown the season but has six straight games with a catch of at least 24 yards.

Gus Edwards scores first TD as Charger

After 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023, Edwards has still yet to find the endzone as a Charger in 2024. There may not be a better opportunity than this weekend, as the Bengals have allowed 13 rushing TDs this season. That’s tied for fifth most in the NFL, and Edwards reclaimed the backup running back role last weekend.

Chargers injury report: Khalil Mack questionable for Week 11 vs. Bengals

Khalil Mack did not log a single practice this week.

The Chargers had their final practice on Friday before their Sunday night matchup with the Bengals.

Edge defender Khalil Mack is questionable after not logging a single practice this week. Mack is currently dealing with a groin injury that limited him to four defensive snaps in last weekend’s game against the Titans.

If Mack can’t play this weekend, Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu will continue to see an uptick in playing time.

Cornerback Deane Leonard is also questionable for Week 11. Leonard is dealing with a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve. He has yet to be activated to the active roster.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Bengals stack up before Week 11 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Bengals stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Bengals are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cincinnati stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 11 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points per game 20.7 ppg (19th) 27.0 ppg (6th)
Passing offense 196.4 ypg (22nd) 254.8 ypg (4th)
Rushing offense 117.9 ypg (19th) 89.7 ypg (29th)
Total offense 314.3 ypg (22nd) 344.5 ypg (12th)
3rd down conversions 39.84% (13th) 47.29% (3rd)
Red zone scoring 54.17% (18th) 72.41% (2nd)
Sacks allowed 24 (17th) 23 (12th)
Turnovers 4 (T-1st) 10 (8th)

Defense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points allowed 13.1 ppg (1st) 26.2 ppg (26th)
Passing defense 191.6 ypg (9th) 220.2 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense 110.6 ypg (9th) 127.3 ypg (17th)
Total defense 302.1 ypg (6th) 347.5 ypg (23rd)
3rd down conversions 32.76% (5th) 45.80% (29th)
Red zone defense 38.89% (2nd) 71.88% (31st)
Sacks 31 (T-4th) 17 (28th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 10 (20th)

 

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Bengals?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Bengals.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 1.5-point favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 47.5 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 47 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 27-21 win for the Chargers, with a total of 48 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the over.

As for game picks, analysts give a slight lean to Los Angeles.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Bengals
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chargers
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chargers
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Bengals
NFL.com Staff Bengals (3-2)
Bleacher Report Bengals

Sunday’s game will begin at 5:20 p.m. PT and be televised on NBC.

5 Bengals players to watch in Week 11 vs. Chargers

Despite their under-.500 record, the Bengals are still littered with talent all over the field, particularly on offense.

It’s been a difficult season for the Cincinnati Bengals, who sit at 4-6 after another heartbreaking loss in Week 10. Don’t let the record fool you though, this is still a dangerous football team, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

It may be the biggest challenge of the year for Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Another loss and the Bengals may lose any hope of sneaking into the postseason. Here are some players from the Bengals that the Chargers must keep an eye on this upcoming weekend:

WR Ja’Marr Chase

Let’s start with the best player on the field. Chase is one of the best wideouts in all of football, and he’s been exceptional in 2024. Heading into Week 11, he leads the NFL in catches (66), receiving yards (981), and receiving touchdowns (10). While the team’s record isn’t what they expected it to be, Chase has been nothing short of phenomenal.

TE Mike Gesicki

Gesicki has turned into an underrated signing for Cincinnati. In 10 contests, his 383 receiving yards ranks eighth amongst tight ends. With Tee Higgins out due to injury recently, Gesicki has turned into a nice secondary option in the passing game. The former Penn State product is second on the team in receiving yards behind Chase. He has 16 catches, 203 receiving yards, and two touchdowns over the last three games.

OT Orlando Brown

Brown signed a massive $64 million deal back in 2023, and it’s come with mixed results thus far. He’s been solid for the Bengals, but not quite worth that kind of money. The trenches will be a deciding factor in this weekend’s game, and that starts with Brown against the Chargers’ stellar pass rushers. Los Angeles tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks (31), so this will be a huge matchup to watch.

EDGE Trey Hendrickson

Hendrickson continues to fly under the radar around the NFL. He’s been a monster this season, as he leads the league in sacks (11.0) and is a frontrunner for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Hendrickson has added in 28 total tackles, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble. The Chargers have two legitimate offensive tackles, but they will be put to the test against this front.

CB Mike Hilton

Hilton is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL, and he’s proved that again in 2024. His matchup against Ladd McConkey will be a deciding factor in this AFC matchup. Hilton always plays a physical brand of football and is known for being an exceptional blitzer as well.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 11 opponent: Bengals

Here are some important things to know about the Bengals ahead of the Week 11 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are at home to face the Bengals in primetime on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5:20 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 11 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Bengals are 4-6 on the season. Cincinnati has one-point losses to the Chiefs and Ravens.

Prolific passing attack

Jesse Minter will have his work cut out against Joe Burrow and company. The Bengals rank fourth in passing offense, averaging 254.8 yards per game. Burrow leads in the NFL with 2,672 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’s only thrown four interceptions.

Brace for Chase

Burrow’s top target, Ja’Marr Chase, has been a terror to opposing defenses. Chase leads the league in receptions (66), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (10).

Rough rushing offense

The Bengals have had success through the air, but the same can’t be said about their ground game. Cincinnati is 29th in rushing yards per game (89.7). Chase Brown is the team’s lead back. They acquired Khalil Herbert last week from the Bears after Zack Moss sustained a season-ending neck injury.

Dreadful defense

The Bengals have been able to score points, but they’ve struggled to prevent them, as they’ve allowed 26.2 PPG (26th). Cincinnati ranks 23rd and 17th in pass and rush defense, respectively. However, their issues have been in critical situations. The team ranks 31st in red zone percentage (71.88%) and 29th in third-down conversion percentage (45.80%).

Look out for…

Chase. This will be the biggest test for the Chargers’ cornerbacks this season. He’s capable of taking over a game with his big-play ability.

Bengals hosting veteran RB Leonard Fournette for a workout

The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting veteran running back Leonard Fournette for a workout, according to Tom Pelissero, as the team is still looking for more help in the backfield and could add the 29-year-old to the practice squad. The Bengals went …

The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting veteran running back Leonard Fournette for a workout, according to Tom Pelissero, as the team is still looking for more help in the backfield and could add the 29-year-old to the practice squad.

The Bengals went out at the trade deadline and added Khalil Herbert after Zack Moss was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, but Fournette could soon be another option behind Chase Brown.

Fournette, a former No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 draft, has been in the league for seven seasons, but only played in two games last year with the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 40 yards on 12 attempts. With the Jaguars and Buccaneers for six seasons, Fournette played in 79 games and ran for 4,478 yards and 34 touchdowns while catching 312 passes for 2,219 yards and seven touchdowns through the air.

Without much depth at running back right now, the Bengals could be hoping that Fournette would provide some more at a position where they are 29th in the league in rushing yards with just 89.7 per game.

Bengals hosting CB Xavien Howard for a visit

The Bengals break the mold and go for a big name.

The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting veteran cornerback Xavien Howard for a visit today, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Howard played eight years with the Miami Dolphins and made the Pro Bowl four times but he hasn’t been able to find a home during the 2024 season to this point after being cut by the Dolphins in the spring.

The Bengals’ defense has been towards the bottom of the league this season and has been part of a 4-6 record they hold through 10 games, which is 3.5 games back in the AFC North. With two big games coming up against the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati might be feeling the pressure of a possible playoff spot slipping away for the second straight season.

There is a connection between the Bengals and Howard. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was Howard’s defensive backs coach with the Dolphins from 2012-17 when the corner was at his best.

Howard has played 100 games in his career with 95 passes defended and 29 interceptions and at 30 years old, the Bengals might be hoping that he could provide a spark to their unit.

Former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase has career night in loss to Ravens

Former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase put up massive numbers on Thursday night

Former LSU receiver [autotag]Ja’Marr Chase[/autotag] went off in the Bengals’ Thursday night loss to the Ravens.

The fourth-year receiver caught 11 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. It was the second-highest yardage total of Chase’s career, falling just short of the 266 he posted against Kansas City as a rookie. It was Chase’s third time notching three scores as a pro.

Despite the effort and the elite performance from fellow LSU product Joe Burrow, it wasn’t enough for the Bengals to get the win. After cutting the lead to one in the final seconds, the Bengals opted to go for two and try and win it in regulation. The Ravens got a stop and that was that.

On the year, Chase has 66 catches for 981 yards and 10 scores.

Burrow and Chase are both having career years, yet Cincinnati is unable to capitalize on their star’s success.

Chase totaled 457 yards in his two games against the Ravens this year — both were losses.

Playoff hopes aren’t quite dead for the Bengals and with Burrow playing at the level he is, you can’t rule it out. It will be an uphill battle to get there, though.