Bengals vs Chiefs: Staff Predictions
Sep 20, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dustin Meritt: My predictions for today’s game against the Chiefs would be a lot different if the game were at Arrowhead, a stadium that I have been in multiple times to experience the ground moving from crowd noise. But, the game is in the Jungle of Paul Brown stadium where the Chiefs haven’t had a lot of success, 0-5 in the Marvin Lewis era. This season the offense has done a great job of using different game plans to highlight specific players and match-ups. Today on offense I look for the team to really make an effort to get Jeremy Hill and the ground game going. Not an earth shattering prediction, it’s simple, the Bengals are the better team with the better roster, they don’t have to do anything groundbreaking, run the ball and beat press man coverage to keep the safeties back.
On defense it’s also simple, tackle. I wouldn’t be the least surprised if Jamal Charles and Knile Davis combine for 15-20 targets in this game. Alex Smith doesn’t have the confidence, or time in the pocket to throw it down field, so expect to see a load of swing passes, screens, and dump offs. This is were Vincent Rey and Emmanul Lamur, and the secondary will have to tackle and get Charles to the ground. Lamur also has to be better in coverage, because my guess is tight end Travis Kelce will also be heavily involved.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Chiefs 20
Matthew Willson: The Cincinnati Bengals have dominated opposing defenses while the defense has stumbled in the second half. Andy Dalton has had more freedom in play calling and audibles, which seems to have given him a renewed confidence we have yet to see in his time in stripe. Jeremy Hill has struggled but the Chiefs defense has struggled against balanced offenses, which could give him a break out day of the passing game continues its successful.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Chiefs 21
Connor Howe: As I stated in my week four predictions, This Chiefs team is much better than its record indicates; with tough losses against the Broncos and Packers, Kansas City is desperate for a win to end this losing skid. However, a tough matchup in Cincinnati could continue the Chiefs’ agony, as the Bengals are on a three-game winning streak and are generally a great home team. Although I think Kansas City could sneak a win here, I’m going to give it to the Bengals.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Chiefs 24