Washington Football Team vs. Bengals Week 11 preview, score prediction

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: Cam Sims #89 of the Washington Football Team reacts following a first down during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Washington Football Team offense vs. Bengals defense

So far this season, the Washington offense hasn’t been very good. They’ve had their bright spots, but they’re still relying heavily on Terry McLaurin to help move the chains, though some other playmakers — notably Cam Sims, Antonio Gibson, and J.D. McKissic — have stepped up in recent weeks.

Washington will have a chance to move the ball better than usual against the Bengals on Sunday. While Cincinnati has some nice pieces, they are still a young team, heave dealt with some injuries, and still have several defensive backs coming back from the COVID list and from concussions.

That’s part of the reason they were crushed by the Steelers last week. They were without a whopping five cornerbacks, including a few starters.

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The secondary should be in better shape against Washington, but McLaurin will still be able to win his battles on Sunday. He’ll likely line up primarily across from William Jackson III, a solid, young corner who will battle hard with McLaurin, but it’s one that McLaurin should win.

Elsewhere, this projects to be a nice matchup for Sims. The big-bodied Alabama product looks like the team’s No. 2 receiver right now and will get a chance to go against the likes of Tony Brown and LeShaun Sims on the outside depending on who else is healthy for the Bengals. Sims has the size and speed advantage over these players, so expect him to make some more big plays.

Smith should be able to get the ball to his receivers. The Bengals don’t have much of a pass rush and are tied for the third-fewest sacks per game league-wide with 1.2. Though Smith will be playing without his starting left tackle Geron Christian and possibly swing tackle Cornelius Lucas, he should have enough time to throw the ball — provided that David Sharpe can hold up if he’s forced into action.

The line will also have to block for Gibson and McKissic. The Bengals have a decent run defense when their defensive tackles are all available, but that has barely happened this season. Geno Atkins (personal) may not play in this game, so that would be an advantage for the interior line. Even though their run game hasn’t done a ton lately, Washington should be able to move the ball on the Bengals.

On this side of the ball, Washington may have a slight advantage if the Bengals are missing players. If they are fully healthy, things will be a bit more even, but Washington still should be favored to move the ball here nonetheless.

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