NFL Game Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals

Both these teams had prime time match ups last week, now it’s time for them to again be in the spotlight and prove themselves once more this week.

The Cardinals (7-2) showed their strength with a great win against a still strong, but struggling Seahawks team. Carson Palmer looked impressive as he threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 victory in Seattle. Both the offense and the defense have been enjoying tremendous success as the offense is number one in the league and the defense sits at number three, to add to that the Cardinals have six games of scoring 30 or more and five games of holding their opponents to 20 or less. At 7-2 the Cardinals look like the best team in the NFL not named the Patriots and with a three game lead in the division look to clinch the NFC West since 2009.

Nov 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts with wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) after drawing a pass interference penalty against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals (8-1) played their worst game of the year against the Texans but that doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous. Andy Dalton is having a career year behind center and has the help of four very good receivers in Green, Sanu, Jones and Eifert. The tight end Eifert has been a touchdown machine reeling in nine touchdowns this year on 40 catches, leading the entire league. The Bengals at 8-1 will be looking to continue their strong start with a win against the Cardinals as this will be the highest ranked team they’ve faced all year.

Key Matchups

Andy Dalton vs Cardinals Secondary

Andy Dalton has been having a great year and the only game that the Bengals lost was the only game that Dalton didn’t throw for over 200 yards. As with any team the Quarterback is the most important position and the Bengals are going to need Dalton to step up and play a solid game against a secondary that ranks number seven in pass yards per game and is tied for first in interceptions with 14. If Dalton can overcome his prime time woes there’s no reason that the Bengals can’t come out on top of this one.

Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green (18) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals RBs vs Cardinals Run D

The Bengals running backs have been in a curious rotation this season. While Gio Bernard is having the more productive season with over 500 yards rushing and a 5.5 yards per carry average, it seems like Jeremy Hill is still being favored to be the lead back. Bernard see’s more time as a 3rd down and passing down back but hasn’t gotten the green light yet on being the guy. Regardless the Cardinals own the fourth best rush defense in the NFL as they’ve allowed only five rushing touchdowns all year to go along with seven fumble recoveries. If the Bengals can find a hot hand in the backfield Sunday night they need to stick with it, the rotation of backs isn’t going to work with the Cardinals defense.

Patrick Peterson vs A.J. Green

Aside from games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, A.J. Green has had a relatively pedestrian season for being who he is. Outside of those two performances Green is averaging about 60 yards a game, five catches which isn’t bad, it’s just not what you expect out of a number one receiver. Patrick Peterson, while not stuffing the stat sheet, is having a great year allowing only 17 catches on 35 targets and two interceptions. Unless Green has an explosive day, I expect Peterson to keep him in check.

Prediction

It’s difficult to look at a team like the Bengals and see how talented they are on each side of the ball and at every level. This team has every reason to be great, the problem is they just don’t do well in the spotlight. Yes they beat the Browns but who doesn’t win that game? This team should’ve beat the Texans and should still be sitting as one of the remaining undefeated teams. Another prime time match up and another loss for the Bengals. Cardinals win 37-17