Commanders vs. Bengals – Monday Night Football Matchup (September 23, 2024)
In the second of tonight’s Monday Night Football doubleheader, the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) host the Washington Commanders (1-1) at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals are desperate for their first win of the season, while the Commanders look to build momentum after a Week 2 victory.
Current Odds:
- Spread: Bengals -7.5, Commanders +7.5
- Moneyline: Bengals -360, Commanders +290
- Over/Under: 46.5 points
Team Previews:
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2):
The Bengals have had a rocky start, with losses in their first two games. Joe Burrow has thrown for 422 yards and two touchdowns but hasn’t been able to carry the team as expected. Cincinnati’s defense has been solid against the pass, allowing only 128.5 yards per game (1st in the NFL), but they’ve struggled against the run, giving up 159.5 yards per game. The Bengals will rely on their passing attack to exploit Washington’s weaker secondary.
Washington Commanders (1-1):
The Commanders are riding high after a bounce-back win in Week 2. Their offense, led by Jayden Daniels, has been efficient, especially on the ground, where they rank 3rd in the NFL with 176.5 rushing yards per game. Defensively, Washington has been inconsistent, allowing 27.5 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the league. They’ll need a strong performance from running back Brian Robinson Jr. to keep the Bengals’ offense off the field.
Key Factors:
- Bengals’ Passing Game vs. Commanders’ Pass Defense:
Joe Burrow and his talented receiving corps will likely test Washington’s secondary, which ranks 24th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. - Commanders’ Rushing Attack:
Washington will look to exploit Cincinnati’s weak run defense, leaning on Brian Robinson Jr. and Jayden Daniels’ mobility to keep the game close.
Betting Picks:
- Against the Spread:
Cincinnati is favored by 7.5 points. While the Bengals are the stronger team on paper, they’ve struggled to cover large spreads this season. Given Washington’s potent rushing attack and Cincinnati’s slow start, taking Commanders +7.5 seems like a smart play. - Over/Under:
The total is set at 46.5 points. Both teams have been inconsistent offensively, and Cincinnati’s defense, particularly against the pass, could keep Washington in check. This suggests a low-scoring affair, so Under 46.5 points is the safer bet.
Final Prediction:
- Bengals 24, Commanders 17
Expect Cincinnati to pull off the win, but Washington should keep the game close enough to cover the spread, with the total staying under.
