The Cincinnati Bengals have a tenuous grip on the AFC North. The Bengals lead the division, but only thanks to a tie game earlier in the season. With the Bengals at 7-3-1 and the other three teams at 7-4, it's becoming apparent the AFC North is the most competitive division in football. Cincinnati will have a solid opportunity to increase its lead Sunday, as they play the 2-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How to watch Bengals vs. Buccaneers 2014 online: Time, TV schedule and radio
The Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both engaged in vastly different divisional races.
Hilariously enough, the Buccaneers are still in the running for the NFC South despite having just two wins. The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are tied for the division lead with just four wins each. So yes, the Buccaneers actually have something to fight for at this point. They could give the Bengals a run for their money, all things considered.
As to what Tampa Bay’s avenue of success might actually be -- that’s up for debate. The Buccaneers can’t run the ball and they’re below average in passing offense, pass defense and rush defense. The Bengals, meanwhile, have been very effective at running the football this year. They rush for 125.6 rushing yards per game on average, good for eighth in the league.
Still, Cincinnati has struggled against some poor teams this season. The Bengals actually fall into the “below average” category when it comes to pass offense, pass defense and run defense, as well. They’re just better than the Buccaneers happen to be in those areas. With three divisional games still on the schedule, the Bengals can’t afford to play down to Tampa Bay’s level this week. They need a win.
How to Watch
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
Cincinnati is favored by 3.5 points, according to OddsShark, with an over/under of 44.5 points.
Further Reading
For more on the Buccaneers, check out Bucs Nation. If you want more on the Bengals, go to Cincy Jungle.
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