A couple of AFC teams aiming to keep their playoff hopes alive face off on Sunday as the Raiders (5-4) host the Bengals (5-4) at Allegiant Stadium. Both Cincinnati and Las Vegas have endured their ups and downs in 2021 but still find themselves in the postseason hunt.
However, the Bengals and Raiders would be on the outside looking in if the season ended today. That fact heightens the importance of Sunday’s affair as these teams look to establish themselves as true contenders.
Cincinnati Preview: Bengals Aim to Survive in Vegas
Dating back to Weeks 6 and 7, the Bengals had won two games in a row. However, they were defeated in Weeks 8 and 9, including an onslaught by the Browns in Week 9. The Week 10 bye came at a perfect time as the Bengals can regroup and prepare for their late-season postseason push.
This season, Joe Burrow has been solid, but he is tied for the league lead with 11 interceptions. It may go without saying, but the Bengals will need to limit turnovers if they want to escape Vegas with a win.
The Cincinnati defense was impressive to open the season. But during their current two-game losing streak, it has been a different story. They gave up 34 points to lowly Jets in Week 8 and then were torched by Baker Mayfield and the Browns for 41 points in the ensuing week.
Before those forgettable games, Cincinnati had not surrendered more than 25 points in a contest this season.
The Bengals are hopeful the defense can return to form on Sunday.
Las Vegas Preview: Time to Bounceback at Home
The Raiders had also won two in a row before dropping their last two games. Las Vegas was destroyed by the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs last week 41-14. However, they need to chalk that up as the Chiefs find their groove rather than beating themselves up over it.
The loss of Henry Ruggs has proved costly for the Raiders’ passing attack. But they still have quality receiving options in players such as Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller. Expect quarterback Derek Carr to step up and make plays in this game.
The most interesting statistic in regards to Carr is his passing yards against the blitz. Pro Football Focus has Car listed at 884 passing yards when he is facing a blitz, which is tops in the NFL. So while many teams make an effort to pressure Carr and force him out of the pocket, he actually thrives in those situations.
It will be interesting to see if Cincinnati changes up their game plan because of this statistic.
Who to Bet on Bengals at Raiders
This game projects to be a true thriller. A myriad of different websites and sportsbooks calls for both teams to win.
Some sportsbooks list Cincinnati as half-point favorites, while others have Las Vegas as half-point favorites. Other books have the spread at 1.5.
Anyway, you slice it, and we are in store for a very competitive game on Sunday.
With a lot on the line in this affair, I am rolling with the Raiders at home. This game likely comes down to the wire, and the Raiders might end up clinching the victory on a final second field goal.
Take the Raiders -.5.