Another NFL game day means massive headlines around the Cincinnati Bengals.
And it doesn’t get much bigger than a Joe Burrow injury update.
Said update is nothing but good news for the team and fans. And before kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks, other headline items include Ja’Marr Chase’s usage, causes for concern against those Seahawks and more.
Of course, there’s also the all-important NFL picks angle, where experts project whether the Bengals will get back to 3-3 or not just before the bye week.
Before that game actually kicks off, here’s a look at the must-know Bengals news, notes and quotes for October 15.
Joe Burrow injury update -- Bengals Wire
It’s a good one, folks. A new Joe Burrow update says the star quarterback ran full sprints in practice for the first time all season. That’s a critical development making it clear that he’s close to 100 percent. If he can get through the game against the Seahawks, he’s got a week off during the bye to truly get there.
Ja'Marr Chase's usage
A fun, quick look at a film overview breaking down how well the Bengals have used Chase in new ways this season — and how shockingly effective it has been.
Causes for concern vs. Seahawks
The Seahawks bring a lot of concerning things to the matchup on Sunday, including an excellent pass-rush, droves of weapons around a capable quarterback and a strong running game. It doesn’t help that the Bengals have some problems the Seahawks could exploit, too.
NFL Films behind-the-scenes on Burrow-Chase TD
It’s short, but NFL Films does an excellent deep dive on a Burrow-Chase touchdown from last week, including voiceover about the play from coaches and players.
Bengals offensive line looking for redemption
Ted Karras is not happy about something that happened during the win over the Cardinals and wants it fixed now.
Experts split on Seahawks-Bengals -- ESPN
Two experts make different picks here, though it does bring up an interesting trend note: “The Bengals have won six straight regular-season games against NFC opponents, the second-longest active win streak vs. the opposing conference. (The Eagles have won eight straight vs. the AFC).”
Bye won't give Seahawks advantage -- CBS Sports
Pete Prisco doesn’t see the bye overcoming the Joe Burrow factor in Cincinnati: “The Seahawks are coming off a bye, so they will be rested. But Cincinnati seemed to find its way at Arizona last week. Joe Burrow is back healthy, which showed up in his play. That will continue here. The Bengals will even their record heading into the bye with another big offensive showing.”
Bengals picked 3-2 by experts -- NFL.com
The experts at NFL.com go three in favor of the Bengals, with the two picking against doing so by a combined seven points. An excerpt: “Maybe that plays to the Bengals’ favor here because the hole gets considerably deeper if they lose on Sunday. They would be 2-4 heading into a bye before they have to visit the currently undefeated 49ers. I’m assuming the sense of urgency will be at least a little higher on Cincinnati’s sideline and that Burrow is indeed trending in the right direction.”
Bengals five of seven in NFL picks -- B/R
Over at B/R, five of the seven polled take the Bengals, though one of the dissenters makes an interesting point about Lou Anarumo’s unit: “Cincinnati’s defense has not been good, especially against the run, and Seattle has far more offensive playmakers than Arizona did—especially after running back James Conner exited in the second quarter. The Bengals may need to generate multiple turnovers to win here, and Seattle has given it away only once this season.”
Betting trends makes Bengals the pick -- Sporting News
Sporting News dials in on betting trends while taking the Bengals, largely due to Ja’Marr Chase: “Cincinnati is 2-0 S/U when Chase gets 15 or more targets, and Seattle has allowed 280 passing yards per game. The Seahawks are tough against the run (87.6), and the offense has committed one turnover in four games. This isn’t a layup by any means, but we’ll trust that Cincinnati is 14-6 S/U in its last 20 home games. “
