Packers v. Bengals: Injury Reports, Game Preview & Predictions
By Paul Bretl
The 3-1 Green Bay Packers are back on the road to take on the 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals, who have wins against Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville. Their one loss was to Chicago.
To help get you ready for this matchup between these uncommon opponents, below, you can find several game preview articles, injury reports, and predictions from a few Dairyland Express writers.
Green Bay Packers v. Bengals Game Preview
5 Stats to Know About the Bengals
Packers v. Bengals: 6 Big Questions
Packers v. Bengals: What to watch for
Packers v. Bengals: Final Thoughts
Packers v. Bengals: Behind Enemy Lines
Green Bay Packers Injury Report
Jaire Alexander – OUT (Placed on IR)
Josh Myers – OUT
Elgton Jenkins – QUESTIONABLE
Dennis Kelly – QUESTIONABLE
Bengals Injury Report
Joe Mixon – QUESTIONABLE
Trey Hopkins – QUESTIONABLE
Larry Ogunjobi – QUESTIONABLE
D’Ante Smith – QUESTIONABLE
Xavier Su’a-Filo – OUT
Mike Thomas – DOUBTFUL
Trae Waynes – QUESTIONABLE
Staff Predictions
Brandon Sneide (0-0)
This is a tough game to get a pulse on as the Packers continue to get bit by the injury bug. The Packers have won 3-straight, and the offense is starting to look like itself after that awful Week 1 performance. Paul Brown Stadium has also not been kind to the Pack, who last played there in 2013 in a loss, with their last win coming back in 1998.
I think Joe Burrow is the real deal, and his connection with Ja’Marr Chase is worrisome, especially with All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander ruled out with a shoulder injury. The Green Bay Packers also ruled out center, Josh Myers which will require some more offensive line shuffling.
I believe the Packers will establish the run early, and if they do, it should open the field for Aaron Rodgers against a banged-up Bengals secondary. My key to the game is getting pressure on Burrow, as he loves the deep shot, and if they do, the Packers can create some turnovers and eventually get the win.
Prediction: Packers 31 – Bengals 21
Matt LeVene (3-1)
The Green Bay Packers will take on perhaps their biggest challenge of the season this week in Cincinnati. This 3-1 Bengals team has shown to have a plethora of weapons on offense, headlined by the LSU connection of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. This does not bode well for the injury-riddled Green Bay defense. I expect this game to be somewhat of a shoot-out. The Packers will need to make timely stops and pressure Burrow.
The offense will look to continue the tear it has been on since Week 1. As I said, this game will have plenty of offensive fireworks, so look for Aaron Rodgers to continue his high level of play.
It will also be interesting to see how the running game is handled. Will it be more of a joint attack like we saw last week? Or will it be Aaron Jones dominating the touches as in years prior?
It will take a late Rodgers to Lazard touchdown, but the Packers will come out victorious.
Prediction: Packers 31 – Bengals 27
Paul Bretl (2-2)
On defense, the Packers will have two primary objectives: slow Joe Mixon — if he plays — who is second in the NFL in carries with 83, and take away the deep ball. Green Bay needs to force this young Cincinnati offense to put together 12+ play drives if they hope to find the end zone.
Then on offense, it’s the same old story—run the ball. This will help open up the passing game and allow this young Packers offensive line, which is going to look different again, to be the aggressor. However, that isn’t going to be easy against this Bengals defensive front.
Prediction: Packers 27 – Bengals 20