Date: Monday, September 25, 2023

Time: 8:15 PM ET

Place: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati Ohio

1-1 Rams at 0-2 Bengals | Bengals Must Win

On the evening of September 25, 2023, the NFL spotlight will shine brightly on the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. With both teams hungry for victory, this Monday Night Football showdown promises to be a thrilling contest. The Rams, at 1-1, seek to establish their dominance, while the winless Bengals, at 0-2, face a pivotal moment in their season. This is especially true with uncertainty surrounding Bengal’s star quarterback, Joe Burrow.

Joe Burrow’s Uncertain Status

The big question mark leading up to this game is the health of Joe Burrow. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Burrow’s calf injury has cast doubt on his availability for the game. This injury has been a lingering concern, as Burrow also missed time during training camp due to a calf strain. Furthermore, the Bengals find themselves in a precarious situation. They know that since 1979, only six teams have started the season 0-3 and managed to make the playoffs. In the end, the most recent instance was the Houston Texans in 2018.

Moton’s Take on Monday’s Game 

Moton, a member of the expert panel, believes that even in Burrow’s absence or if he plays at less than 100 percent, the Bengals can rely on their ground game. He points out that Cincinnati boasts a stacked offense featuring playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon. He also mentions a solid offensive line. All in all, Moton’s prediction is a three-point victory for the Bengals over the young Los Angeles Rams squad.

Rams Vulnerable Against the Run

One key factor highlighted by Moton is the Rams’ vulnerability against the run. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Rams have allowed the second-highest yards per carry at 5.3. This opens the door for Joe Mixon to have a significant impact on the game. Whether it’s Burrow or Jake Browning under center, Mixon’s ability to exploit the Rams’ run defense could be a game-changer for the Bengals.

Expert Predictions

The expert panel’s predictions are divided. Davenport, Hanford, Knox, and O’Donnell favor the Rams, while Gagnon and Sobleski side with the Bengals. Moton’s prediction for a Bengals victory adds to the intrigue of this matchup.

ATS and SU Consensus

The ATS consensus slightly favors the Rams with a +2 point spread, indicating a close contest. However, the SU consensus leans toward the Rams, suggesting they have the edge in winning the game outright.

Final Score Prediction

In the final prediction, the experts anticipate a closely fought game, with the Rams prevailing over the Bengals by a score of 22-20.

In conclusion, as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the outcome of the game remains uncertain due to Joe Burrow’s injury. Finally, the Bengals hope to secure their first win of the season, while the Rams aim to build on their early-season success. All in all, football fans can look forward to a thrilling matchup that could go down to the wire, making it a must-watch event on September 25, 2023, at 8:15 PM EST. 

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.
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