NFL
Both teams enter with 2-1 records, but Cincinnati has scored 80 points and allowed 63, while Jacksonville has scored 82 and allowed 36. The Bengals are producing 323.3 yards per game and 5.4 yards per play, with 232.0 passing yards per game and 91.3 rushing yards per game. Jacksonville is at 314.3 yards per game and 5.5 yards per play, with 195.0 passing yards per game and 119.3 rushing yards per game. Defensively, Cincinnati has allowed 21.0 points per game, 382.7 yards per game, and 5.6 yards per play, while Jacksonville has allowed 12.0 points per game, 277.3 yards per game, and 5.8 yards per play. The Jaguars’ early defensive scoring number is strong, but Cincinnati’s passing volume and home field give the Bengals the more stable profile in a one-score game.
Cincinnati should be slightly better equipped to control this game at home and turn it into a narrow win. Jacksonville has been impressive early, especially on defense, but the Bengals bring the more reliable passing production and enough scoring balance to edge a close contest. My projection is Cincinnati 28, Jacksonville 24, which aligns with a Bengals moneyline lean and a game total that lands just above the market number.
