This week’s Monday Night Football matchup features the Bengals traveling to TIAA Bank Field to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. The shorthanded Bengals will have to play almost perfectly to have a real shot tonight, which isn’t out of the realm of impossibility. We’ve seen much crazier things happen. Let’s dive right into the injuries for tonight.
Monday Night Football Bengals @ Jaguars
Cincinnati Bengals
Cam Taylor-Britt: Ankle and quad injuries will keep Cincinnati’s No. 2 cornerback sidelined this week. Britt has graded inconsistently from PFF but has played better than what he’s been given credit for. Since he won’t be playing today, expect backup D.J. Turner II to be responsible for guarding Zay Jones, who should have a decently productive game although he’ll be somewhat limited, coming back from an injury of his own. I’d expect around 40 yards on 5 catches for him.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyson Campbell: While not officially ruled out, Campbell is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury and did not participate in practice. He’s missed the last several weeks with this injury but this could be the week he returns. If he still isn’t able to, expect Darius Williams to shift over to Ja’marr Chase and Montaric Brown to cover Tee Higgins. This presents favorable matchups for both Bengals receivers, especially Higgins. If he can stay efficient and avoid turning the ball over, expect a 75+ yard day for the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver.
Travis Etienne Jr.: A rib injury has the Jaguars’ star running back listed as questionable, although he’s still likely to play from all the chatter I’ve heard. If he isn’t able to play somehow, I’d expect a large load of carries to go to second-string D’Earnest Johnson. While Johnson is far less talented than Etienne, he wouldn’t be too much of a downgrade. As long as Jacksonville’s passing game remains efficient, it shouldn’t matter who’s in the backfield too much.
Analysis
While not a flashy matchup, there’s definitely money to be made with player props tonight and in fantasy matchups. Most Jaguars’ offensive skill players are in a good spot, but some more than others. Christian Kirk should have one of the best games of his season tonight against a Bengals’ secondary that ranks last in coverage grade. Kirk excels against man coverage, averaging 3.32 yards per route against it. Also look for Travis Etienne Jr to have one of his better days against a rush defense that’s graded only 55.7.
There is some value in the Bengals’ skill players, although not much. Tee Higgins has the best matchup while Ja’Marr should be able to cover his yards prop. I’d stay away from Joe Mixon since the Jaguars have one of the best-run defenses in the league. Overall, this should be a closer matchup than some think if the turnovers don’t get out of hand.