The Cincinnati Bengals will take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in the opener for both teams.
For Cincinnati, the focus is going to be all on Joe Burrow and the offense. Yes, the Bengals need to have an improved defense to compete, but with Burrow being out for a year due to injury everyone will want to see that he comes back just a strong as before. Add in concerns about Ja’Marr Chase and the drops he had in preseason, and the offense is going to be front and center.
For Minnesota, the game plan will revolve around giving Dalvin Cook a healthy carry load. A team that struggled with inconsistency last year, the Vikings are looking to get back to their roots and run the ball. A big question is on the defense and if they will be able to step up and contain their opponents this year.
In a game that seems to be fairly evenly matched, this is a great season opener to get a good idea of both teams. Here are my bold predictions for what will happen.
1. Offense struggles early but dominates in second half
When a quarterback has a season-ending injury after taking a sack, it is reasonable to assume that the first time getting hit will be a nerve-racking experience. That is no different for Joe Burrow who has made mention that he needs to get back in a game and take a hit before he really feels like he will be all the way back.
With the number of nerves and excitement around his return, I think Burrow is a little affected by the jitters.
The first half could get a little dicey for Burrow as he works on getting settled back in. He had very limited preseason action so this will really be his first time back. I would expect not only a simple gameplan but a few off-target throws and easy routes to help him ease back in.
An interception is entirely possible as well as he works on getting comfortable in the pocket. Don’t let this rough start define his entire season though. The second half against the Vikings looks much different and allows Burrow to perform much better where he gets back in a rhythm and keeps this game close.
Look for a good but not great game from Joe Burrow with most of his positive stats coming in the second half.