The Bengals may take to the air less in this contest (and call more carries) because they be forced to utilize backup quarterback Jake Browning.
Right now, the 2nd-most pass-focused offense in the NFL (66.9% context-neutralized) according to our trusted projection set is the Bengals.
Accounting for the game dynamics and the underlying tendencies of each team, this contest is forecasted by the projections to see 138.0 offensive plays called: the highest number among all games this week.
The predictive model expects Jake Browning to attempt 37.7 passes this week, on balance: the 3rd-most out of all QBs.
With a fantastic 78.2% Adjusted Completion% (94th percentile) this year, Jake Browning places as one of the most accurate passers in the NFL.
Cons
With a 3-point advantage, the Bengals are favored in this week’s game, suggesting more of a focus on rushing than their typical game plan.
The Cincinnati Bengals have called the 10th-fewest plays in the NFL this year, totaling a lowly 56.2 plays per game.
Opposing teams teams have been reluctant to pass too much against the Colts, totaling the 8th-fewest attempts in football (just 34.0 per game) this year.
As it relates to pass-blocking (and the ramifications it has on all passing game stats), the offensive line of the Bengals ranks as the 7th-worst in football this year.
This year, the strong Colts defense has surrendered the 7th-least yards-after-the-catch in the league to opposing teams: a meager 4.4 YAC.