Sunday, October 4, 2020, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1 p.m. ET
Jaguars at Bengals Betting Preview: Jaguars (+3/-110), Bengals (-3/-110)
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars (1-2) have struggled out of the gate in all three of their games, surrendering a total of 62 points and 46 first downs in the first half. Jacksonville allowed 21 points prior to intermission on Sept. 24 en route to its second straight loss, a 31-13 setback to Miami.
Gardner Minshew II completed 30 of 42 passes for 275 yards versus the Dolphins, however two costly turnovers halted any offensive momentum gained on a big night for James Robinson. The rookie running back recorded his second straight performance of at least 100 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown after rolling up 129 (46 rushing, 83 receiving) and two scores against Miami.
Versatile rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. had five receptions last week to help overcome the absence of fellow wideout D.J. Chark, who was ruled inactive with a back/chest injury. Chark practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday for Jacksonville, which should see an inspired Tyler Eifert compete against a team with which he spent his first seven NFL seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow is generating eye-opening offense following the sheer amount of times that he drops back to pass, however fans of the Bengals (0-2-1) are often hiding their eyes every time the reigning Heisman Trophy winner gets hit. Burrow’s completions (91) and attempts (141) rank second in the NFL behind only Dallas’ Dak Prescott, however his 14 sacks taken are tops in the league.
Burrow was sacked eight times last Sunday in Cincinnati’s 23-23 tie versus Philadelphia, although when upright he threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow rookie Tee Higgins reeled in both of Burrow’s TD passes against the Eagles while wideout Tyler Boyd reached double-digit catches in a game for the third time since 2019 with 10 receptions for 125 yards.
A.J. Green is still working out the kinks after missing last season with an ankle injury, with the seven-time Pro Bowl wideout catching just 13 of his 28 targets for 116 yards without a touchdown. Joe Mixon’s numbers aren’t much better, with the versatile running back averaging just 3.2 yards per carry for a Bengals’ ground attack that is mustering an NFL third-worst 79.3 yards per game.
Jaguars at Bengals Betting Pick for Week 4
The Bengals find themselves in unfamiliar territory on Sunday. Well, sure they are at home, however they are also favored in a game for the first time this season.
Burrow and company will put a smile on the faces of the 6,000 fans that are allowed to attend the game and pick up their first victory of the season.
Jaguars at Bengals Betting Pick:
Bengals 23, Jaguars 21
Jaguars at Bengals Best Bet for Week 4
While both offense have shown an ability to get on the fast track, the teams are also prone to shooting themselves in the foot with their mental mistakes. Both clubs are a work in progress, and that will keep the numbers down.
Jaguars at Bengals Best Bet: UNDER 49 points (-110)
