The Cincinnati Bengals aren't quite the juggernaut they seemed two weeks ago. At 8-0, they looked like the NFL's best bet to stop the New England Patriots, but after losses to the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, they suddenly look a lot more vulnerable.
Rams vs. Bengals 2015 picks and predictions: Cincinnati overwhelming favorites to end losing streak
The Bengals are a near-unanimous pick to beat the Rams.
The losses might not be as bad as they seemed, since they ran into two of the best units in the league -- Houston's defense and Arizona's offense. This weekend's opponent, the St. Louis Rams, have one of the worst offenses in the NFL, and while their defense isn't bad, it isn't spectacular.
As always, the Bengals' offense will go just as far as Andy Dalton's arm will take them. He's got four dangerous receivers, starting with A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, with Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu as extra options. Giovani Bernard gives Dalton another target out of the backfield, with Jeremy Hill available for power running.
The Rams can't come close to matching that offensive production, whether Case Keenum returns from a concussion or if Nick Foles goes back under center. Todd Gurley has been outstanding as a rookie runner, and Tavon Austin is a threat as a runner and receiver, but tight end Jared Cook and wideout Kenny Britt can't match Cincinnati's downfield talent.
If the nation’s experts (and PFT Commenter) are anything to go by, the Bengals should have little trouble getting back on the winning track. They are picked to win by all eight selectors at CBS Sports, by 12 of the 13 at ESPN and by all eight at SB Nation.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| STL vs. CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN | CIN |
See More:
