Week 3 of the NFL season is here, and we have a battle of two former LSU quarterbacks, with the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels taking on the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow.
The Bengals are the favorites in NFL Week 3 odds, with a point spread of -7.5. Here, we’ll take a look at some potential scenarios for how this game could play out. We also cover a MD sportsbook promo, along with a OH sportsbook promo.
Bengals favored over Commanders ahead of cross-conference matchup
How the Bengals could win and cover the spread
The Bengals have two cornerbacks, Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill, who are playing well this season. Hill has allowed five catches for 40 yards this season, while Taylor-Britt had an interception in Week 2.
In Week 2, the Bengals’ odds had them as underdogs, but they nearly beat the Kansas City Chiefs if not for a pass interference penalty late in the fourth quarter.
The Commanders and Daniels could end up looking to run the ball here. The Bengals are holding opposing quarterbacks to 136 passing yards and 30.50 rushing yards per game.
If the Bengals can successfully slow down the running game, their pass defense has already demonstrated an ability to clamp down on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for just 151 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in Week 2.
How the Commanders could cover the spread, or even win
The Bengals have proven to be a difficult team to pass on consistently, but their kryptonite appears to be defending the run against running backs.
Through two weeks, the Bengals are allowing 29 carries for 126 yards per game to opposing running backs. The Patriots scored a rushing touchdown against them in Week 1.
The Bengals have also allowed every target to opposing running backs to be caught. For the Commanders’ odds to improve, they’ll likely need to run the ball effectively with Brian Robinson Jr. and utilize the screen game with fellow running back Austin Ekeler to extend the running game with a goal of controlling the time of possession and keeping Burrow off the field.
