The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to move to 2-0 after defeating the Vikings in Week 1. Next, they head to Soldier Field with a matchup against former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and the Chicago Bears. Here are three of the most important players to watch during the game.
Most important Bengals vs. Chicago
3. Tyler Boyd
Tyler Boyd had a quiet Week 1 against the Vikings. Against a suspect Bears secondary, this is a perfect game for Boyd to get going out of the slot for the Bengals. Boyd is one of the more reliable receivers Cincinnati has had over the last few seasons.
Chicago is currently looking for a full-time slot corner to replace Buster Skrine and is yet to find it, especially after the Rams receivers had a field day Sunday night. Whoever in the secondary covers Boyd, in my eyes, it will be a matchup that he will be able to exploit.
Boyd was held to three catches for 32 yards against Minnesota but expect a bounce-back game from the sixth year wideout. Rams receiver Cooper Kupp had a great deal of success playing out of the slot against the Bears secondary this past week with seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ route over the Bears.
All the receivers for Cincinnati should have success if the line holds up against the Bears pass rush, but I suspect Boyd to be the leader in receptions after this game. If the Cincinnati defense plays like they did last week, Joe Burrow and the offense will see plenty of opportunities on the field.