Falcons vs Bengals Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Diving into The Jungle
Many expected the Atlanta Falcons to be a laughingstock of the NFL. Instead, they are off to a strong 3-3 start, including Week 6’s victory against the San Francisco 49ers (28-14). Atlanta has another tough challenge this week as the Cincinnati Bengals await in The Jungle.
The Bengals (3-3) are coming off their best scoring output in the 30-26 win over the New Orleans Saints. Which team will keep their momentum going?
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Falcons vs Bengals. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds for you to consider.
Falcons’ Fierce Run Game
The Atlanta Falcons have a simple formula this season. Run the ball and utilize play-action off it. Atlanta’s offense is fully committed to this identity with only 22.8 pass attempts per game (31st) compared to 33.7 runs per game (second). Through six games, it is working.
The Falcons are having success on the ground in every game. Against an elite San Francisco 49ers defense, Atlanta totaled 168 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per attempt. In Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rushing attack produced 151 yards on 4.9 yards per carry. If the offensive line continues its great play, the Falcons’ run game will keep rolling. The Cincinnati Bengals allow 4.7 yards per carry (23rd) and are without their best run stuffer, defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
Atlanta’s defense is doing enough. The front seven has been decent, holding opponents to 104 rushing yards per game (ninth). The pass rush ranks 31st with only eight sacks, as most of its production comes from defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Due to an unproductive pass rush and spotty secondary, the Falcons are allowing 281.2 passing yards per game (31st).
Ultimately, Atlanta’s success hinges on the run game and winning the turnover battle.
Bengals Becoming Aggressive
After trailing 23-14 in the second half against the New Orleans Saints, coach Zac Taylor leaned on the Cincinnati Bengals’ talented receiving corps. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase finished with 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns, which led to the 30-26 win.
Ja’Marr took it to the crib, in his crib. @Real10jayy__ (via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/N6eZR2ckki
— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2022
Taylor has a tendency to stay with the run game, for better or worse. Against the Atlanta Falcons’ struggling pass defense, the Bengals need to come out with an aggressive game plan, attacking Atlanta’s secondary. Cincinnati’s run game has found little success (27th in rushing yards per game), and the Falcons’ run defense has played well. Taylor should not be apprehensive about pass protection, as Atlanta ranks 26th in team pass rush win rate. Plus, the offensive line has improved in recent games.
On defense, Cincinnati needs to stop the run. The Falcons’ success starts and ends on the ground. Unfortunately, the Bengals will be without defensive tackle Reader and their top linebacker Logan Wilson. Cincinnati’s depth, like rookie defensive tackle Zach Carter and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, must step up.
Falcons vs Bengals Game Injuries
Falcons vs Bengals Head-to-Head
The Falcons have won three of the last five matchups, but the Bengals have won the last two, including 2018’s nail-biter (37-36). Atlanta’s last win in Cincinnati came in 2006.
Falcons vs Bengals Game Information
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- How to watch Falcons vs Bengals? ESPN
Falcons vs Bengals Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
Falcons vs Bengals Betting Lines
Falcons vs Bengals Prediction
Without Reader and Wilson, the Bengals could have a tough time slowing the Falcons’ run game. Plus, quarterback Marcus Mariota comes off his best game of the season. Ultimately, Cincinnati will win this game thanks to its lethal passing attack against Atlanta’s poor coverage. Also, Falcons All-Pro cornerback AJ Terrell is questionable (hamstring/thigh), which magnifies the weakness. However, Atlanta will keep it closer than expected thanks to success on the ground.
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
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