Returning from their farewell week, the Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) travel west to face the Las Vegas Raiders (5-4) at Allegiant Stadium.
After surrendering back-to-back games to the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals will try to get back on track as they begin an eight-game stretch that will determine whether they make it through the postseason.
More: Joe Burrow talks about the meaning of Bengals vs. Raiders on Sunday and explores his first half
In many ways, the Raiders and Bengals seasons have mirrored each other so far. Both teams started the season hot and suffered both defeats in a row.
Winning the game on Sunday is important for the Raiders for many reasons, but above all because of the current playoff picture landscape and how that could change in the future.
For now, Cincinnati and Las Vegas are in the bubble and when it comes down to which team comes in at the end of the season, the head-to-head match will come into play.
Here’s how the Bengals get back on track and beat the Raiders:
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow throws before an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Cincinnati. (AP Photo / Aaron Doster)
Play clean football and limit sales on the offensive
Joe Burrow leads the NFL with 11 interceptions. Not all were his fault, but it’s far too often that the Bengals and Burrow give their opponents the ball. The Bengals are hard to stop when they click all of the cylinders. In order for Cincinnati to take to the streets and win in a hostile environment, reducing sales will be critical.
More: Examine what the AFC playoff picture looks like for the Bengals after Bye Week
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) escapes pressure from Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91), left, and Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65), right, in the first quarter during a week 4 NFL soccer game, Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Increase the pressure on the defense
The Bengals’ greatest strength in the first seven games was their defensive play. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been calm about his ability to devastate his opponents quarterbacks lately, I would expect that to change.
More: What makes the defense of Bengal’s Defense Coordinator Lou Anarumo so unique?
Keep an eye out for Sam Hubbard, DJ Reader and Larry Ogunjobi who lead the attack as the Bengals attempt to chase down Derek Carr. Cincinnati needs its bragging rights in defense and the players to set the tone.
The story goes on
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) turns downfield after completing a catch as New York Jets middle linebacker CJ Mosley (57) in the first quarter during a week 8 NFL soccer game on Sunday, October 31, 2021 , defending at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Make Tyler Boyd the X-Factor
Cincinnati has the advantage on the offensive against Las Vegas, no question about it. The Raiders don’t have enough to cover the three-headed monster the Bengali have on wide receiver in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
More: What are the Cincinnati Bengals building on the offensive to protect Joe Burrow?
Boyd is as automatic as it gets and the trio has yet to play a full game in which all three dominate. If Boyd interferes and is introduced often, good things will happen for the offense. Boyd is also a veteran who knows how to play in front of large, noisy audiences. When Boyd has a big game, I like the Bengals’ chances of winning that game.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Three Keys to How Bengali Can Beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday
