It has been a long time since the Cincinnati Bengals have won a playoff game. Heck, it has been long enough since the Bengals have had the opportunity to win a playoff game. But, here we are, with some additional football about to be played in the Queen City.
Joe Burrow has quickly reinvigorated this franchise and has the Bengals as favorites to win a playoff game. Fans across the country and anxiously awaiting Saturday and all it could mean for Cincinnati and this team.
But what to expect? Will this be the team that went on a tear and beat the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch the AFC North, or will this be the squad that came out and laid a dud against the New York Jets?
While only time will truly tell, I am here to answer with bold predictions. Each of these will be a stretch but could feasibly happen. Read on to find out what crazy events will unfold when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Super Wild Card Weekend.
Cincinnati Bengals have an offense that comes alive
Joe Burrow throws for four touchdown passes
Before I catch any heat about this not being a bold prediction, on the season, Burrow has only thrown four touchdown passes twice. They have happened to come in the last two games he has played in (Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Cheifs) but those are the only times he has reached that feat this year.
For the year he has gone 2/16 when it comes to throwing four touchdowns in a game, which is 12.5%. That seems pretty bold to ride with 12.5%.
Here is why it will happen.
Zac Taylor has seemed to finally take the training wheels off the last few weeks with Joe Burrow. Ever since costing his team in the overtime loss to the 49ers, Taylor has allowed Joey Franchise to throw it more often. This is why he tallies in the touchdowns again on Saturday.
Tee Higgins has over 150 receiving yards
The Bengals are going to have all cylinders firing on Saturday, and that means the passing attack will thrive. Ja’Marr Chase is going to get his, but the Raiders will likely want to stop him from completely taking over the game, leaving Tee Higgins to create damage.
Higgins has only crossed the 150-yard mark once this year, but in a game where I expect Burrow to light it up, Higgins is going to be the open player more often than not.