The Cincinnati Bengals lengthy win streak to start the season is now a thing of a past. Andy Dalton and company are now riding a two-game slide, which they will try to break when they return home for a Week 12 showdown with the St. Louis Rams. Will the Bengals stop their skid? Or will the Rams add to Cincinnati’s woes?
For more Week 12 game previews, you can also read our breakdown of Dolphins vs. Jets.
[sc:Football ]St. Louis Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
When: Sunday, November 29, 1:00 PM ET
Line: St. Louis Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals – see all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the St. Louis Rams (4-6)
[sc:NFL240banner ]A change of quarterback didn’t translate to a better offense for the Rams, who lost to Baltimore on Sunday, 16-13. Playing in lieu of regular starter Nick Foles, Case Keenum managed to complete just 12 of his 26 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. While he didn’t throw an interception, Keenum had two lost fumbles, as he clearly had a hard time dealing with the Ravens’ constant pressure.
Keenum was tested for concussion symptoms following the game, but chances are he’ll get the start again next week if he’s deemed healthy. But with Keenum seemingly not the answer to the Rams’ offensive woes, St. Louis will have to look for other ways to crack Cincy’s defense in the next game.
For one, there’s rookie running back Todd Gurley, who leads the team with 775 rushing yards. Gurley is almost a given to make his presence felt regardless of the opponent, but he’s slowed down a bit of late. Gurley hasn’t broke past the 100-yard barrier since Week 8. That includes his 66 rushing-yard output against the Ravens.
One good scenario for the Rams against Cincy is if their defense can keep the game close and manageable enough for their limited offense. St. Louis’ defense has been impeccable this season with the Rams holding opponents to just 19.9 points per game. Furthermore, the Rams brings an imposing pass rush that is fourth in the league with 30.0 sacks.
St. Louis is 2-2-1 ATS in its last five games overall.
Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals (8-2)
Andy Dalton brought a bigger weapon than a BB gun on Sunday, but his effort wasn’t enough to help Cincinnati avoid a two-game skid, as the Bengals lost to Arizona in a shootout, 34-31.
Unlike in the loss to Houston back in Week 10, Dalton played better this time, passing for 315 yards and a couple of touchdowns without an interception on 22 of 39 completions for a 99.8 quarterback rating. Dalton had a field day connecting with Gio Bernard, who forewent lots of touches in the backfield and was instead heavily involved in passing plays, catching eight passes for 128 receiving yards. Bernard might continue lending his hand in the Bengals’ passing attack next week just to throw off St. Louis’ stingy defense.
While it’s A.J. Green’s job to be the number one option for Dalton downfield, the need for Cincy’s peripheral and unconventional targets such as Bernard to step up is amplified by the fact that St. Louis is ranked fourth in defending against opponents’ No. 1 and 2 wide receivers per DVOA (as of Week 11). In any case, Tyler Eifert may have a bigger role than usual on Sunday, as the Rams are 25th in DVOA against opposing tight ends.
Defense, however, failed the Bengals against Arizona. The Bengals allowed Arizona to compile 301 passing yards, which was significantly higher than their average of 236.3 surrendered per contest. That said, St. Louis’ offense isn’t as explosive as that of the Cardinals, so expect the Bengals’ defense that allows just 19.9 points per contest to handle the Rams’ attack more effectively.
Cincinnati is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Cincinnati wins, 25-16.
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