4 Key Matchups to Watch in Bengals-Titans

The Cincinnati Bengals return home Sunday to face the Tennessee Titans, who are 1-6 and have just traded away their best defensive player. Cincinnati is a heavy favorite coming off its win over Baltimore, but these four matchups will determine if the Bengals avoid the trap game.

Bengals Offensive Line vs. Titans Defensive Front

Tennessee traded defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears on Thursday, removing a player with four sacks and 28 pressures, the most among defensive tackles. The Titans now allow 131.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL, and they have faced more carries than any other defense.

Joe Burrow has been sacked five times in his last four games, and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is questionable. If the Bengals' line wins up front, the offense should control the ground game and keep Burrow clean.

Ja'Marr Chase vs. Cor'Dale Flott

Chase has 32 catches for 351 yards and five touchdowns this season, and he is expected to play after practicing fully this week. Flott has an interception in back-to-back games and has been one of the few bright spots for Tennessee.

The Titans' pass defense has allowed three 100-yard receivers this season. Tee Higgins, who ranks ninth in the NFL with 571 yards, makes it even harder for the Titans to focus on Chase. If Flott cannot keep Chase in check, Tennessee will have few answers.

Bengals Pass Rush vs. Cam Ward and Titans Offensive Line

Cincinnati has 21 sacks, tied for the most in the NFL and its most through six games since 1995. Boye Mafe leads the way with 4.5, followed by Dexter Lawrence II with four. Tennessee has allowed only 11 sacks, which makes this a real test.

However, Ward averages just 5.7 yards per attempt, which ranks 32nd among 33 qualified quarterbacks, and he has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions. If the Bengals get consistent pressure, Ward's struggles could turn into turnovers.

Tony Pollard vs. Dexter Lawrence and Bengals Run Defense

Pollard has 478 yards and four touchdowns this season, and he ran for 129 yards and three scores against Cleveland last week. With running back Tyjae Spears out, he should get a heavy workload. The Bengals allow 116.3 rushing yards per game, but held Derrick Henry to 45 yards last week.

Lawrence is the key, since he can disrupt plays in the backfield and force Tennessee into passing situations. If he wins inside, the Titans' offense could become one-dimensional.