The New Orleans Saints (2-3) will welcome the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) to the Caesar’s Superdome as they look to get back to .500 after breaking a three-game losing streak. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will be returning back to Louisiana for the first time since playing in the national championship game in 2020. A lot of excitement around the state will be building up leading into this important matchup between these two teams.
Cincinnati Bengals @ New Orleans Saints Game Information:
Current Records: Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Date/Time: October 16th @ 12:00 p.m. CT
Where: Caesar’s Superdome; New Orleans, LA
Where to Watch: CBS (Commentators: Play-By-Play Greg Gumbel, Analyst Adam Archuleta)
Spread: Bengals (-1.5)
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New Orleans Saints Series History:
The series between the Bengals and the Saints is tied at seven to seven as they head into Sunday’s matchup. The last time the two teams met was during the 2018 season, where New Orleans clobbered the Bengals, 51-14.
Previewing the Saints Heading into Week Six:
After a much needed win in five five against the Seattle Seahawks, the Saints will look to continue that momentum into week five. We saw the emergence of Taysom Hill in that game as he accounted for four total touchdowns and he made his presence known on special teams.
The swiss army knife was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 112 yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks. Not only was Hill able to get it going in the running game, but Alvin Kamara was able to shine in his return. New Orleans will need their running game against the Bengals defense.
The question will still remain week-to-week of who will get the starting nod at quarterback for the Saints. The past two weeks it has been Andy Dalton getting the call. Jameis Winston was seen at practice this week, but his status is still uncertain heading into Sunday’s game. Dennis Allen spoke on what Winston’s return means for his status going forward:
“I think this is part of the process here, eventually he has to get out there and practice football. It’s another step in the right direction.”
Not only were the Saints missing Winston in last weekend’s matchup, but also Michael Thomas. Thomas was not listed as a participant on Wednesday’s practice and still remains questionable this Sunday. Another Saints pass catcher that could be in doubt this weekend is Chris Olave. Olave is in concussion protocol, but is working in the right direction.
The Saints defense is dealing with injuries as well as Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Marcus Maye were all limited participants during Wednesday’s practice. The defense for New Orleans has given up 25.6 points per game and allowed 355.8 yards allowed per game. The Saints defense also leads the league in takeaways with 13.
Scouting the Saints Opponent: Bengals:
After starting the season 0-2, the Bengals were able to reel off two consecutive wins over the Jets and the Dolphins to get back to .500. Cincinnati is coming off a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Bengals were able to take the lead 17-16 with 1:58 left to go in the fourth quarter thanks to a Burrow 1-yard touchdown score. The lead didn’t last long as the Ravens were able to drive down the field to set up a potential game-winning field goal. With time expiring, Justin Tucker nailed a 43-yard field goal to beat the Bengals and send them to 2-3 on the year.
The Bengals offense is yet to get their running game going this year as they are only averaging 91.8 yards on the ground. The Cincinnati offense will be looking to build some confidence heading into their matchup against New Orleans.
While the Bengals are struggling in the run game they have found success in the passing game. Cincinnati is averaging 267.8 passing yards per game. The Saints secondary will be tested by the trio of receivers that the Bengals offer with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
The Bengals offense has been struggling, but their defense has been a strong suit for them. Cincinnati’s defense has only given up two total touchdowns in the last three games of the season. Saints fans will see familiar faces returning to New Orleans with Trey Hendrickson and Vonn Bell a part of the Bengals defense.
Cincinnati is only allowing 17.8 points per game. The Bengals defense ranks eighth in the NFL with eight takeaways on the year.
Prediction for Bengals @ Saints:
The Saints are coming off a high-scoring shootout against the Seattle Seahawks, but this game feels like it will come down to which defense forces more key takeaways. There could be another storyline looming in this game as Andy Dalton could face his former team if he were to start in this game.
The key for the Saints defense is limiting the big plays this weekend against a Bengals offense that can beat you in many ways. New Orleans did a poor job against Seattle as they were able to score four times on plays over 50 yards.
New Orleans will need to get their running game going against a talented Cincinnati defensive front. Getting Michael Thomas back can only boost the potential of the Saints offense heading into this weekend’s matchup. Expect this game to be a defensive battle into the end with the talent that both teams have on both sides.
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 20, New Orleans Saints 21
