Jags @ Bengals: (Almost) Kings of the Jungle

Just a complete game from Jacksonville against the Pats. They got so deep in Drake Maye’s head, they’re charging rent for the 5 condos they own in his mind. 35 to 6! Trevor Lawrence had an efficient day, going 19/29 for 182 yards and 3 TDs. Plus, they had 137 yards on 30 carries and 2 TDs on the ground. That patented Jag’s offense came to cook. And cook they did. They get a reformed Bengals defense this week, and I say reformed because it got better for sure. But, they still collapsed against Aaron Rodgers when it mattered. Jacksonville must channel last week’s defense to try and stump Joe Burrow early and then run away with it. I like Jacksonville here.

         And here I was thinking the Bengals were going to go 3-0 to start the 2026 season. They were close too, but their Achilles heel reared its ugly head again. I will say this in defense of Cincy; their defense was playing well throughout most of the game, they just couldn’t stop the Steelers in the 4^th when it mattered. I’d put some blame on the offense too. When they really needed a drive in the 4^th to tie up the game, they go 3 & out, and then the next drive they cough up a fumble after 5 plays. That gave them no chance to come back in a game they could’ve won. There are still some real growing pains for the Bengals. But if Joe Burrow can stay healthy and their defense can really tighten up, Cincy may show their dominant presence once again. I just don’t think they can keep up defensively with the Jags’ offense.