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Washington Football Team: Five bold predictions vs. Bengals in Week 11

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts as he runs onto the field before a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team reacts as he runs onto the field before a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) scores a touchdown during the second quarter of a Week 8 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.Tennessee Titans At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 1
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) scores a touchdown during the second quarter of a Week 8 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.Tennessee Titans At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 1 /

4. WFT allows Giovani Bernard his first 100-yard rushing game since 2017

In recent weeks, Washington has allowed some big performances on the ground. They were gashed by Wayne Gallman and Alfred Morris when the Giants came to town. And in Detroit, D’Andre Swift had the best game of his young career.

The Swift game can be forgiven a bit, as he is a young, up-and-coming player in this league that was an early second-round pick. However, the Gallman/Morris tandem doing so well is a red flag for Washington and they’re going to have to fix their run defense.

However, that may not happen in Week 11. Though the Bengals are without Joe Mixon, they still have Giovani Bernard, a long-time NFL veteran who has been a solid fill-in for the former Oklahoma product.

While Bernard is better as a receiver than a true between the tackles runner, he can still do some damage. He’s shifty and though his speed isn’t what it used to be, he can still elude tacklers and make plays downfield. All it will take is for Cincinnati’s offensive line to open up one hole for him and he could be gone. Of course, that’s easier said than done for that unit, but it remains possible.

Based on his high volume of carries and Washington’s recent struggles, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bernard have a big game. We’ll predict his first 100+ yard rushing game since 2017 as a result. That may not be enough to sink Washington’s ship, but if they’re focused on limiting Burrow and getting pressure on him, Bernard could slip through the cracks on a few occasions.

Also, Bernard turns 29 on Sunday, so you best believe the Bengals will be looking to give him a nice birthday gift.

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