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5 Bold Predictions For Bengals vs. Saints

5 Bold Predictions For Cincinnati vs. New Orleans

5 Bold Predictions For Cincinnati vs. New Orleans
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This weekend features a contest between two teams coming off some tough losses. The New Orleans Saints, fresh off an emotional overtime defeat from the San Francisco 49ers, host a Cincinnati Bengals team who just got handled by the Cleveland Browns. Each team will look to bounce back, as they’re both still in their respective division races. As the Bengals head down to the Bayou, here are five bold predictions to look out for this Sunday.

1. Mark Ingram Runs Wild

1. Mark Ingram Runs Wild
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Mark Ingram Runs Wild

1. Mark Ingram Runs Wild
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It took a little time, but Ingram is finally starting to look like the player who won the Heisman at Alabama. He’s currently averaging 91.8 yards per game on the ground, third best in the NFL. He’s also tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns with six. Don’t expect the Bengals, boasting one of the worst run defenses in the league, to stop him.

2. Jeremy Hill Struggles Again

2. Jeremy Hill Struggles Again
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jeremy Hill Struggles Again

2. Jeremy Hill Struggles Again
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side of the ball, I would anticipate an unspectacular day from the Bengals’ rookie back. Hill was held to just 55 yards and a fumble by a Browns team he claims was “worse than he thought.” Now he’ll be taking on a Saints defense ranked 11th in rushing yards allowed per game. Who knows what his assessment of New Orleans will be postgame, but don’t expect too much from him during the contest itself.

3. A.J. Green Shows Some Life

3. A.J. Green Shows Some Life
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. A.J. Green Shows Some Life

3. A.J. Green Shows Some Life
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Green has been quiet since returning from his toe injury a couple weeks ago, and Cincinnati’s offense is suffering because of it. The Saints’ pass defense isn’t too imposing, and with a few extra days to get healthy, I think Green starts to look a little more like the guy we’ve seen tear up the league the past few years.

4. Drew Brees Lights Up Cincinnati Defense

4. Drew Brees Lights Up Cincinnati Defense
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Drew Brees Lights Up Cincinnati Defense

4. Drew Brees Lights Up Cincinnati Defense
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati is better against the pass than they are facing the run, but not by much. Not only will they be going up against one of the NFL’s best QBs, but they’re likely getting a very angry Brees thanks to the tough loss to the 49ers. I think the Saints go on a scoring spree, which will include Brees airing it out at will.

5. The Saints Win Big

5. The Saints Win Big
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Saints Win Big

5. The Saints Win Big
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams are coming off losses which were tough to swallow for one reason or another. However, with the home crowd behind them, I anticipate New Orleans rolling in this one. There are too many question marks hovering over the Bengals, and their defense just doesn’t have enough to stop all of the Saints’ weapons. I expect them to win by two touchdowns at the very least.

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