Packers vs. Bengals: Lombardi Ave staff last second predictions
Packers vs. Bengals
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
The fans are filling the seats at 1265 Lombardi Avenue as these words hit the page. Much has already been said, written, and printed so here’s our shot to the final say on how this game will go.
All are in agreement. The Packers should win today and should win easily.
“Should” is the operative word here. We’ve all seen Packers meltdowns in the past … and judging by the heat index on the field at Lambeau – the hottest September game of all time is being played – we’re hoping the Packers stay true to form and beat this bad Bengals team.
This is a squad whose offense is in disarray. The Packers defense is suspect.
No doubt this will once again come down to the guy we all rely on – Aaron Rodgers.
With that stage set, we here take our shot at who wins this one and why.
Here we go …
Evan Siegel: Two of the game’s slowest offenses are facing off in this one. The Packers rely on their basic passing game while the Bengals are still looking for their first touchdown of the year. This will be an ugly, mucked-up game that the Packers will have the advantage in because of their home field advantage.
Green Bay will likely strike first, and Cincinnati will be playing catch up the whole game. The Packers are prepared for this as they can use their home crowd and running game to stymie a rally. It won’t be pretty, but in a similar way to week 1, the Packers pull out a win.
Packers 23 Bengals 13
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Freddie Boston: Losing Tyler Eifert is a blow for the visiting Bengals, and will make Dom Capers’ life easier when it comes to covering A.J. Green. There will be a sense of urgency from both teams, but the Packers are at home. That’s bad news for a Cincinnati team low on confidence. Despite being hit hard by injuries, Rodgers leads the Packers to victory, his first over the Bengals.
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Packers 28 Bengals 17
Ralph Mancini: The Packers are defensively flawed and can’t seem to stay healthy, but this week they get a break by facing a baffled and bewildered Andy Dalton.
The Cincy quarterback is playing so poorly that he can’t help but make any opponent look good– -even when he’s not being pressured.
Making matters worse is the fact that Dalton will be without his elite red-zone weapon Tyler Eifert and rookie speedster John Ross.
Anticipate Aaron Rodgers putting up some quick points early on in this home matchup and allow his defense to tee off on a sterile Bengals’ attack that hasn’t hit pay dirt since the third week of the preseason.
Packers 29 Bengals 13
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Matt Bathrick: Returning from the ugly loss in Atlanta to play at home against an 0-2 team with an anemic offense – it would seem like a scenario priming the Packers to bounce back with a blowout win against the Bengals.
Unfortunately, I think the Packers are too hobbled at the moment for this to be a game that’s over by halftime.
With seven players listed as doubtful – including Davon House, Jake Ryan, Nick Perry, Kentrell Brice, and Mike Daniels … all on defense – Cincinnati should have the opportunity to score their first touchdowns of the season.
Despite the injuries, Green Bay is still the better team and an offense led by a healthy Aaron Rodgers will always put points on the board at Lambeau Field.
Rodgers should get his first win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Packers 31 Bengals 17
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Ray Rivard: The Bengals are anemic on offense; the Packers’ defense is suspect and the heat will make this game feel more like Miami than Green Bay.
The Bengals will score a touchdown today, maybe two. It’s inevitable. They can’t be THAT bad, can they? I mean, they get paid in Cincy, too, right? So expect that.
But the Packers have Aaron Rodgers …
Expect that.
This one may not be over by halftime, but the Packers will make more big plays, might even score a defensive touchdown, and will pull away in the fourth.
With seven guys out, getting through this game with a win is huge down the road. The team will only get stronger as players recover and make their way back to the active roster.
Anyway …
Packers 30 Bengals 13