The Jacksonville Jaguars are back on the road in Week 4 to battle the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC heavyweight showdown. 

The Jaguars are riding high after last week’s 35-6 statement win over the defending conference champion New England Patriots, while the Bengals are looking to rebound after dropping a tough 30-27 division contest to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Both teams have entered contender status and will look to cement themselves among the NFL’s elite. 

The Jaguars and Bengals both have high-flying offenses that can put up points quickly and often. 

On defense, Jacksonville’s calling card is its ability to create takeaways, and at least one prominent analyst believes it is the best defense in the league. Cincinnati has seen its own defense greatly improve after years of being a huge weakness. 

Despite both offenses being explosive, expect the defenses to show up at Paycor Stadium on Sunday. Points will be scored, for sure, but whichever defense can get turnovers and get off the field on third down should determine who wins this game. 

The Jaguars’ curb-stomping of the Patriots sent a clear message to the rest of the NFL and the national media that they are not just a one-year wonder. 

Head coach Liam Coen has now won 15 of his 20 games since taking over before last season. When Coen arrived, Jacksonville was coming off a last-place, 4-13 season, and many questioned whether Trevor Lawrence would ever become the franchise quarterback he was expected to be after he was drafted first overall in 2021. 

Under Coen, Lawrence finally put it all together, became an MVP finalist, and showed his immense talent. Lawrence and the rest of the offense continued to get better as the season progressed, and they became more comfortable in Coen’s system. 

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile was able to turn his unit into the league’s stingiest against the run. Despite a pass rush that left a lot to be desired, Jacksonville’s defense took a huge leap forward while leaving plenty of room for improvement this season. 

Cincinnati had to deal with its own MVP-level quarterback, Joe Burrow, missing most of last year with a serious toe injury that required surgery. The Bengals also had multiple high-profile contract disputes with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart. The offense was unable to play to its full potential, and the defense struggled all year as the Bengals limped to a 6-11 record. 

Now, Burrow is healthy again, and the offense is firing on all cylinders, aided by a much-improved offensive line. The defense, despite Hendrickson leaving in free agency, has also made terrific strides. Trading for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has had exactly the type of immediate impact the Bengals hoped for, as have free agent signings Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook. 

The Bengals have reclaimed their status as an AFC powerhouse, while the Jaguars are still trying to prove they are one as well. 

Whoever wins this game will make a huge statement to the rest of the AFC. 

In my five keys to victory, I outlined what the Jaguars need to do to come out on top. 

Jacksonville has won 10 of its last 11 regular-season games and is playing as well as anyone in the league right now. 

Beating the Bengals in Cincinnati is no small feat, but I think Trevor Lawrence, Parker Washington, and the Jaguars' defense are playing excellent football and will pull out a tough road victory. 

Prediction: Jaguars 27, Bengals 20