The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a clearly hobbled Joe Burrow at quarterback and won a close-fought battle against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, with Cincinnati’s defensive line tormenting Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offensive line like many expected the San Francisco 49ers to do in Week 2.
The Super Bowl 56 rematch goes the other way this time, with the Bengals exacting their revenge on the Rams and winning by the same field-goal margin.
Offensive spotlight: Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell caught a 37-yard reception early. He then went fairly quiet but got wide open in the left side of the end zone for the Rams’ sole touchdown of the evening. Tight end Tyler Higbee added five receptions for 71 yards, with a contested catch and three explosive receptions.
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had a dozen receptions as Joe Burrow looked to get the ball out as fast as possible all night long, frequently throwing the ball in the dirt at the first sign of pressure. Chase went for 141 yards and picked up seven first downs, with two missed tackles forced on his receptions.
As for the Rams’ offense, it’s just about keeping up the momentum. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked really good through two games, finding chemistry with young receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell.
Cincinnati defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a savant and has made elite quarterbacks look like shells of themselves before. His ability to match Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay’s innovative offense will be intriguing at the very least.
Los Angeles ranks third in total yards and ninth in points. The Rams are also top 10 on defense in total yards given up, as well as passing yards allowed. However, the stat that jumps off the page for the defense is its No. 2 rank for third down percentage (22.2%).
Cincinnati is 0-2 against the spread this year, whereas Los Angeles is a perfect 2-0 thanks to a last-second field goal against the San Francisco 49ers to cover the spread in Week 2.
There is a strong chance that the spread will change substantially before the game if Burrow is ruled out. Jump on this line as quickly as possible if you’re looking to bet the spread.
Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua continues to produce at a consistent level, but he set such a high bar for himself coming into Week 3 that a five-catch, 72-yard outing, which included a 37-yard deep ball that set up the team’s lone touchdown, felt underwhelming. Nacua forced a missed tackle in space and hauled in a contested catch, showing he’s not just finding soft spots in zones and winning that way.
Bengals rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones isn’t quite the offensive factor Nacua is, but he was once again a difference-maker as a punt returner, with a 19-yard return midway through the fourth quarter that set Cincinnati up with a first-and-10 from the Rams' 40-yard line. Cincinnati could only gain five yards on the drive but would go on to kick a field goal and increase their lead to 19-9, holding on without scoring again.
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