The NFL has ruled out the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles from a late afternoon kickoff, but it remains a critical game for both teams that should also be quite entertaining for the fans.
After all, we’re about to learn a lot about both teams. The Eagles started the season 2-2 but bounced back to win two straight to reach 4-2. But did Jalen Hurts and Co. only get things on track because they were able to take on the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants?
Same for the Bengalswho came back from an 0-3 start to reach 3-4, and is also currently on a two-game streak. But did Joe Burrow and Co. only get things on track because they…also played the Giants and Browns?
For the Bengals, an offense likely to suddenly miss Tee Higgins faces a daunting task after weeks of struggles. Orlando Brown Jr. will play left tackle despite his injury. But with or without him, the line has struggled against the strong seven-man fronts of New York and Cleveland, and Philadelphia is simply more of the same.
It’s also worth wondering if the Bengals’ defense’s recent improvement in performance was a product of playing against Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones. The unit became healthier, especially inside the defensive line, but the competition was moderate.
Either way, a ninth-ranked Eagles offense presents a huge challenge. Saquon Barkley leads the second-ranked rushing attack with 658 yards and five touchdowns on an average of 6.1 per carry.
Like playing the Giants, in many ways this could feel like an AFC North game for the Bengals.
At least they’ll feel at home, right?
As in many matchups, Burrow’s presence means the Bengals have the better quarterback in this one. And we can assume that the defense, now in good health, has taken the time to solidify itself properly in the face of the bad attacks of the last two weeks.
An X factor? Trey Hendrickson should have a huge day against Eagles backup tackle Fred Johnson – the same Fred Johnson who struggled for Cincinnati.
It won’t be pretty, but the Bengals can get away late with a few key forced turnovers.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Eagles 25
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This article was originally published on Bengals Wire: Final Score Predictions for Eagles vs. Bengals in Week 8
