Bengals Game Preview: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Aug 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs the ball past Atlanta Falcons defensive back Shann Schillinger (29) in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals are riding a 9 game regular season home win streak. The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a huge win at home against the New Orleans Saints. It was just last year the Bengals and Falcons were practicing together and playing a meaningless preseason game. This time, the game counts and the Bengals have a chance to put a little breathing room between themselves and the rest of the AFC North.

Keys to the Game:
The Cincinnati Bengals must limit turnovers and keep the Falcons on a longer field. They have a good solid offense with a quarterback and wide receiver duo that can be as good as any. The defense must find way to shut down Stephen Jackson on the ground and give up minimal yardage.

The Falcons must keep a balanced offense with wide receiver Julio Jones and Devin Hester, they can spread the field. Stephen Jackson is starting to age but still has explosive speed if he gets into the second level of the defense. The defense must find a way to contain the AJ Green and Andy Dalton pairing early. They must get the Bengals on their heels early and get them to abandon a solid running game behind Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill.

Prediction:
The Bengals and Falcons could be a close game but with a solid team at home and a team that was extremely mediocre on the road last year, I would still have to give the edge to a Bengals team that seems determined to overcome a tough schedule. Bengals win 27-17.