Photo via CBS Sports

Bengals vs. Jaguars prediction: Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence duel in battle of AFC contenders

An early-season AFC showdown approaches as the 2-1 Cincinnati Bengals prepare to host the 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati enters following a narrow 30-27 defeat to Pittsburgh, while Jacksonville arrives after crushing New England 35-6.

Both squads boast strong postseason aspirations, making this cross-divisional matchup a vital test for playoff seeding.

Quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence headline the upcoming contest, which kicks off on Sunday, October 4 at 1 p.m. ET with broadcasting on CBS.

The Jaguars defense faces a stiff test against Cincinnati pass-catchers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, who have both started the year producing solid receiving numbers. Bookmakers currently favor the home side by 2.5 points as both franchises look to solidify their status among the conference elite.

Up nextNFL· 37m ago

Bengals News: Joe Burrow on Pace for Career Year