Bengals vs Chargers: Who are the experts picking in Week 13?

The Cincinnati Bengals will look to continue their hot streak against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13. The Bengals have since earned the respect of many in the league, as most NFL analysts are giving this one to Cincinnati.

These are some imaginary headlines we made up that may describe the game:

Joe Mixon scorches Chargers defense for 200 yards!!!

Ja’Marr Chase hauls in five touchdowns, rubbing them in Mac Jones’ face

Joe Burrow shows off his good lucks, smiles for the camera after scoring game-winner

The five touchdowns may be a bit much, but the Bengals offense certainly looks to be in tip-top shape ahead of Sunday.

Cincinnati’s defense should also be prepared to face a recently struggling Justin Herbert, but even if the Bengals go down double digits, it’s easy to believe Burrow and his team can stage a late-game comeback.

Here’s what the experts have to say about Week 13:

Expert picks for Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Chargers

• Ben Rolfe (Pro Football Network) – Bengals 30, Chargers 21
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) – Bengals 29, Chargers 23
• Andrew Buller-Russ (Sportsnaut) – Bengals 38, Chargers 27
• Top Bet – Chargers 26, Bengals 24

It’s a bit surprising that so many experts are favoring the Bengals, but this game could be a close one.

Pro Football Network’s Rolfe attributes the Bengals’ recent good form as a huge factor in their win:

"The Bengals are coming off a huge victory over the Steelers, which has given them a real shot at the division. Cincy now has two 1 PM home games against West Coast teams. Their defense looks reinvigorated after the bye, and their running game should be able to have success against a struggling Chargers run defense."

Rolfe makes a keen observation about the timing of this game. The last time Cincinnati kicked off at 1 p.m. ET on the East Coast, they were dismantled by the Ravens 34-6.

So, Los Angeles may have the slight edge in terms of overall readiness.

CBS Sports’ Prisco also predicted a Bengals win and has high expectations of Mixon in particular:

"The Bengals are playing some of their best football. I think that carries over here as Joe Mixon runs wild against the Chargers defense to overshadow the Justin Herbert-Joe Burrow showdown."

Herbert and Burrow will face off for the first time in a matchup with heavy playoff implications. Getting a win will no doubt be the goal for each signal-caller, but it helps to do it in style.

Here’s looking forward to a high-scoring game on Sunday.