The Jaguars defense came out hot and forced an Andy Dalton interception only to have Kyle Bosworth fumble the return without being touched.  The Bengals took advantage of the mistake and marched down the field for a field goal.  The Jaguars responded with a nice two yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis to go up 7-3.  That’s when the Bengals really started to up their game.  Down 3-7 in the second quarter, the Bengals when up 17-7 by halftime.  The Jags went on to score a field goal after stalling in the redzone and the game ended 27-10.

Rashean Mathis was easily beat by Green all day.  Source: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

It was a depressing showing for Maurice Jones-Drew who had a meager 38 yards on 13 carries (2.9 yards per attempt).  Meanwhile, BenJarvus Green-Ellis put up 82 yards on 26 carries (3.1 yards per attempt) but seemed to be doing much more for the Bengals offense.  Andy Dalton looked tremendous going 20/31 for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and the interception fumbled by Bosworth.  A.J. Green was a big recipient of Dalton’s success and caught six balls for 117 yards and a score.  Gabbert continued to struggle to move the ball for the Jaguars offense and ended the day 23/34 for 186 yards, a touchdown, and a pick.  While a much better completion percentage for Gabbert, a large number of his throws were underneath to MJD or other backs.  Justin Blackmon did seem to finally break out of his shell with six catches for 48 yards but looked out of place and failed to compete for some balls.

The Jaguars failed to open up their offense and it cost them in a game that made the Bengals defense look much better than the bottom-feeding type it has been thus far this season.  Meanwhile, the Bengals seemed to be able to do what they wanted against the Jags.  While the Jags forced two Green-Ellis fumbles, the Bengals D seemed unstoppable and got to Gabbert six times.  The offensive line, especially LG Eben Britton, looked lost early in the game and allowed the Bengals defense to set the easily set the tone.

With the win the Bengals increase to 3-1 and the Jaguars join the Titans at 1-3 and at the bottom of the AFC South.

- Luke N. Sims

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A.J. Green could dominate with an explosive run and his great hands.  Source: Rob Leifheit-US PRESSWIRE

Last week in a win over the Redskins, the Bengals ran the ball a total of 28 times and Green-Ellis only carried 17 of them.  Andy Dalton had two attempts for 16 yards, but it isn’t just about Dalton being able to run as well as pass.  The ball went to six skill position players in the game and every one of them resulted in positive yardage except one.  Specificaly, Brian Leonard, A.J. Green, and Andrew Hawkins looked dangerous throughout the game.  Leonard had two carries for 18 yards, Green had one for 11, and Hawkins had two for 16 yards.  Of Cincy’s 93 rushing yards, these three accounted for 48% on a meager five plays.  Most of those players were trick plays like end arounds in order to exploit a stingy Washington middle.

I highlight this in order for us to better understand the adaptability of the Bengals offense.  This offense is not an offense that needs to stick to a gameplan to wear out the opponent.  Gruden understands that he has playmakers and getting the ball in their hands can do things that wearing down the defense can’t. When Hawkins touches the ball on an end around the defensive coordinator will have a fit because he knows its something that is too tough to defend.  Green-Ellis isn’t a premier back, but he’s good enough that if you try too much at containing the offense’s big plays on the outside you run the risk of him beating you between the tackles.  It’s a tough predicament for the Jaguars.

This will really test the gap discipline of the Jaguars’ linebackers and the run stopping ability of the the defensive ends.  Andre Branch has surprised in his ability as a rookie defensive end in stopping the run, but he will probably be targeted the most by these trick plays.  Branch has demonstrated that he can bite too easily on fakes and the Bengals will undoubtedly have observed this.  Unfortunately, with Russell Allen or Kyle Bosworth helping Branch on whatever side he is on (Daryl Smith is still out with injury) the Jaguars will have a very tough matchup when the Bengals give the ball to their unorthodox ball carriers.

On top of worrying about the Bengals’ offensive tricks and gimmicks, the team can also play some very good traditional passing.  Dalton is not to be underestimated and A.J. Green, Andrew Hawkins, Armon Binns, and Jermaine Gresham can’t be allowed space to get the ball in their hands and do what they want with it.  I have confidence in the Jaguars back four, but it will still be tough to contain this offense.

The difference in this game may just be Jay Gruden vs the Jaguars personnel.  Mel Tucker demands a lot of discipline from his defensive players, but sometimes the opposing coordinator is just too good at exploiting weaknesses.

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prepares to catch a pass before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders. Source: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The fantasy football season is almost underway and wives across the country are already getting sick of constant fantasy football chatter.  Some teams have drafted, while others still have yet to draft.  To help you this fantasy football season, here are my complete wide receiver rankings for the upcoming season:

1. Calvin Johnson, DET – “Megatron” has completely transformed the wide receiver position in fantasy football.  Johnson’s 15-touchdown performance was utterly dominating from the wide receiver position.   Johnson has become the ultimate red-zone receiver, due to his combination of raw speed and size (6-5 236).  The Lions are completely dedicated to throwing to Johnson 20 times a game, something that fantasy owners always like to see.  Johnson may not repeat his 15 touchdowns and nearly 1,700-yard performance from 2011, but he will still be the top wideout in all of fantasy in 2012.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the game at catching the ball at its highest point, as he seemingly snatches the ball out of the air.  Fitzgerald is averaging a very impressive 9.13 touchdowns per season throughout his career, but was obviously at his best with future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner throwing him the ball.  He has very long arms and could be the perfect red-zone target, but only if the Cardinals can figure out who will be throwing him the ball.   Fitzgerald is still an elite receiver and a bonafide number one fantasy option, but he could be so much better with a capable NFL quarterback.  Expect around 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns from “Fitz” in 2011, but the potential is there for so much more.

3.  Wes Welker, NE – Welker has become the poster child for 100-plus-reception seasons over the last couple years.  Over his last five seasons, Welker has averaged 1,051 yards and a league-leading 110.8 receptions per season.  He is the ultimate weapon out of the slot and quarterback Tom Brady has complete faith in Welker, even if Brady’s supermodel wife does not agree.  Welker knows how to read a defense and is perfect at finding a spot to sit in the zone.  Welker is an amazing number one wideout, because he continues to do it year after year.

4. Andre Johnson, HOU – Johnson is not the guaranteed top-tier fantasy receiver that he was a couple seasons ago.  He has missed 12 games over the last two years and is still not 100% healthy following lingering hamstring injuries.  However, when healthy, Johnson is hands down one of the best in the game.  He can rack up yardage in bunches, evident by his 79.15 yards per game through his career.   Johnson may not be the guaranteed number one wideout, but he is still an elite receiving option.  He will likely fall into the second round this year, but if he remains healthy he could be the steal of the middle rounds.

5. Roddy White, ATL – White is the most underrated wide receiver every fantasy season, which is ironic because all he does is fill the stat sheet.  White has hauled in 215 passes for an insane 2,685 passes over his last two seasons, including at least 83 receptions and 1,200 yards for the last five seasons.  He is as consistent as it gets from the receiver position and has not missed a game in his entire seven-year career.

6. Greg Jennings, GB – With Jordy Nelson hauling in a ridiculous 15 touchdowns in 2011, Jennings is being somewhat disregarded in the first couple rounds this fantasy season.  However, Jennings is the number one option for MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and with that title, comes more red-zone looks then a wide receiver can handle.   Jennings’ 2011 season was cut short by a torn MCL, and he has had some concussion problems this off-season, but the fact remains that Jennings is one of the elite receivers in the entire game.

7.  Julio Jones, ATL – Jones has more pre-season hype than any other player in the entire league, as he has completely skyrocketed up the draft board this off-season.  Jones is a very physical wide out downfield, and combines it with the speed to outrun most corners in the game.   However, the youngster is still the number two option on the team and is a little raw in his route running.  With that being said, Jones is the next elite receiver, but fantasy fans have to realize that Jones still has a couple things to work on before he is in the same league as Calvin Johnson.  He will be a great wideout in 2012 and will easily have a career season, but do not let his hype cause him to be drafted ahead of the aforementioned “Megatron” and Jennings.

8. Dez Bryant, DAL – Bryant may be a bit of a headache for fantasy owners just as much as owner Jerry Jones.  However, the Cowboys’ receiver is a true star in the making.  The 23-year old has improved in each season and his 9 touchdown receptions last season was tied for ninth best in the NFL.  Bryant is back from his knee tendonitis issues and will be quarterback Tony Romo’s main red-zone target with tight end Jason Witten still recovering from a spleen issue.

9. A. J. Green, CIN – Green is one of the best up and coming wideouts in the game.  He went over 1,000 yards in his freshman season and was able to haul in a very respectable 7 touchdowns.  Green has built a strong rapport with quarterback Andy Dalton from day one and their chemistry together will only help Green post bigger fantasy numbers as they mature together. Green is easily a number one wideout, and fantasy owners should expect him to easily match his numbers from last season.

10. Brandon Marshall, CHI - Marshall is finally reunited with his favorite quarterback, Jay Cutler.  The duo played together in Denver in 2007-08, and averaged an amazing 1,295 receiving yards per season.  Expect Marshall to have another Pro Bowl season in 2012, as he already has a proven track record with his new quarterback.

Just Missed: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Marques Colston (NO), and Mike Wallace (PIT)

Predictions:

MVP: Calvin Johnson, DET

Rookie of Year: Justin Blackmon, JAC

Bust: Steve Smith, CAR

Mega Bust: Brandon Lloyd, NE

Sleeper: DeMaryius Thomas, DEN

Super Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK

Fantasy Over/ Under:

Calvin Johnson TD: 15 – Under

Wes Welker Rec.: 100 – Over

Kenny Britt Suspensions: 2 – Over

Andre Johnson Games Played: 12 – Over

Terrell Owens Personal Workouts: 1 – Over