NFL Monday Night Football Preview & Predictions: Commanders at Bengals
Week 3 has a treat for NFL fans on Monday night. There are two games on the schedule. The second game of the slate sees the Commanders travel to Cincinnati to take on the winless Bengals. This is a must-win spot for the Bengals, but the Commanders are capable of playing spoiler in primetime. Let's take a deeper look at the matchup for Monday night.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals Preview & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Rookie second-overall pick and Heisman winner Jayden Daniels will make his NFL primetime debut in this game. He'll square off against former first-overall pick, Heisman winner and fellow LSU alum Joe Burrow. I'm sure pleasantries will be exchanged after the game, but this one will be all business from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. This is a must-win game for the Bengals who have high hopes for the season and already started 0-2. An 0-3 start would have them chasing the 3-0 Steelers so soon into the year.
The line between Cincinnati starting 2-0 and 0-2 has been razor-thin. Some crazy red-zone turnovers against the Patriots doomed them in a game where they produced more yards per play. The following week, they outgained and arguably outplayed the Chiefs (320 to 286 yards). This should be something of a get-right game for a Bengals offense ranked 21st in offensive DVOA but the boxscore indicates is likely better. They'll get a Washington defense that ranks dead last in defensive DVOA.
As far as Washington's offense goes, they moved the ball with some ease in Week 2 but red-zone struggles persisted as they needed seven field goals to defeat the Giants 21-18. As good as Daniels has looked at moments, he's still awaiting his first NFL passing touchdown. He may find it to be a tough task against a strong Bengals defense ranked 11th in DVOA. This game might be too tough of a task for the Commanders' offense in a game they will likely need to keep up scoring with the Bengals. Your best bet is to back the home team that desperately needs a big win to get things going in 2024.
Pick: Bengals -7 (-112)