The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens by 470 yards last week. Ja’Marr Chase caught three touchdown passes. Joe Burrow had season highs in completions, pass attempts and passing yards.
What did Jesse Minter think when he turned on the tape to see this kind of performance?
The deep sigh chargers The defensive coordinator released to begin his response said more than any of the words that followed.
The Chargers (6-3) will test their three-game winning streak and top-ranked defense against one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses Sunday at SoFi Stadium in a prime-time matchup.
Not only are the Bengals (4-6) ranked fourth in passing, but they could also welcome back star wide receiver Tee Higgins, who missed the last three games with a quadriceps injury.
Learn more: Kristian Fulton is back to try to save the Chargers from one of his best friends
With Chase and Higgins to guard, getting the cornerback Christian Fulton (hamstring) returning after a two-game absence is just the start of a long list of must-dos for Minter on Sunday. The Chargers pass rush hopes to maintain its momentum with 18 sacks in the last three games. Tuli Tuipulotu leads the defense with 5½ sacks.
Cincinnati defensive end Trey Hendrickson leads the NFL with 11 sacks. He anchors the Bengals’ front against the Chargers’ offensive line, which was without starting right guard Trey Pipkins III (ankle) last week. Despite his absence, the trio had their best game of the season, the coaches said. The Chargers didn’t give up a sack for the first time as reserve Jamaree Salyer replaced Pipkins.
How to watch and listen to Chargers vs. Bengals
The Chargers and Bengals will play at 5:20 p.m. PST at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The game will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock and Universo. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio on 98.7 FM or 105.5 FM.
Betting lines for Chargers vs. Bengals
Who will the Chargers win against the Bengals?
Thuc Nhi Nguyen’s choice: The Chargers are rolling, but the Bengals are desperate. After a long week of preparation following a Thursday game and with their bye week coming up, they can head into a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. While Fulton’s return could help strengthen the Chargers’ secondary, the game still looks lopsided for the Bengals, with Burrow and Chase playing like the best quarterback-receiver tandem in the NFL. Bengals 27, Chargers 24
Sam Farmer’s choice: The Chargers are piling up wins and gaining confidence, having posted a season-high 27 consecutive weeks. The Bengals have been up and down lately, but they are desperate. Bengals 27, Chargers 23
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
