The Atlanta Falcons are set to travel to PayCor Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a week seven matchup. Both teams come into the game tied for first in their respective divisions. The Falcons currently are tied for first with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South with a 3-3 record. On the flip side, the Bengals also have a record of 3-3 and are tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North. Despite these two teams being in different conferences, it still could have major implications on the playoff race in the two divisions.
Despite this, neither team has really played to the level they were expected coming into the season. Many thought that the Falcons would be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, however, Marcus Mariota has looked impressive this season and has turned the Falcons’ offense into a very formidable one. The Bengals came into the year coming off of a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. Cincinnati has had a slight Super Bowl hangover early on in the season, however, they showed some life last week against the New Orleans Saints. Although it is not being framed as such, this could end up being a must-watch game in week seven.
Atlanta Falcons Hope to Hold Onto Their Share of the NFC South
The Falcons are entering the contest after taking a rough 14-point loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite this game being a blowout, the Falcons still did what they could. Although they are tied for first in their division, their roster still has a ways to go before they can compete with real contenders like the 49ers. They will have an easier matchup this week against the Bengals who still have not shown a consistent level of elite play this year. If they can continue to play their very effective style of offense and control the pace of the game, Atlanta has a very real chance to pull off the upset.
Cincinnati Bengals Look to Possibly Take First Place In the AFC North
Despite the Cincinnati Bengals coming into the year looking more sluggish than ever, they did show some life last week against the New Orleans Saints. It seemed like this was a game that the Bengals needed to play to get back into their element. The matchup took place in New Orleans where both Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase spent their college career playing at LSU. Although New Orleans has one of the best fan bases in the NFL, it was difficult for them to cheer against the duo that brought home a national championship.
Burrow and Chase did everything in their power to put on a show for the LSU fans in attendance. Burrow finished the game passing for 300 yards and three touchdowns while Chase ended the contest with seven catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. It looked like Cincinnati’s offensive stars were finally clicking again, and as many know if the connection is there between Burrow and Chase, there is almost no beating the Bengals.
