Ja’Marr Chase Poised for a Major Breakout as Bengals Face Jaguars
After an exciting Thursday night showdown between the Commanders and Packers, the NFL gears up for a full slate of Sunday games, with plenty of action to consider for betting enthusiasts. Among the matchups drawing attention is a Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs. However, the focus for many is on the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase as he looks to rebound in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
Chase’s Opportunity for a Breakout
Following a subdued performance in Week 1, expectations are high for Ja’Marr Chase to make a significant impact this week. Historically, the Bengals have struggled to find their rhythm early in the season, and Chase has not surpassed 62 receiving yards in Week 1 over the last three years. But this trend is unlikely to hold as the Bengals prepare to face a Jaguars defense that has shown vulnerabilities.
This week’s betting strategy hinges on a phenomenon often referred to as “fade recent results,” where bettors anticipate an opposite outcome based on last week’s performance. In Chase’s case, he is due for positive regression. Last season, he surpassed 85.5 receiving yards in seven of his final eight games, capped off by a remarkable 264-yard game against the Ravens.
Chase’s connection with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is undeniable, and this week’s matchup against the Jaguars presents an opportunity for Chase to showcase his elite talent. The Jaguars allowed the most passing yards in the NFL last season and have continued to struggle in that area. In Week 1, Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan still managed to record 68 receiving yards against them, signaling an opportunity for Chase to excel.
Brenton Strange’s Role in the Jaguars’ Offense
Staying within the same matchup, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange is another player to watch this week. After a commendable performance in Week 1, Strange’s advanced metrics indicate he could play a pivotal role in the Jaguars’ passing game. He participated in 72% of the snaps and ran 60% of the routes, suggesting he is firmly integrated into the team’s offensive plans.
Strange caught all four of his targets for 59 yards, demonstrating his reliability. He split his routes evenly between slot and inline positions, placing him in a favorable position against a Bengals defense that has historically struggled to contain tight ends. Last week, the Bengals surrendered a total of 100 yards to opposing tight ends, with Harold Fannon Jr. and David Njoku combining for significant contributions.
In previous seasons, Trevor Lawrence developed a strong connection with Evan Engram, and it appears that Strange may now be stepping into that role. Although Lawrence has faced the Bengals only once, Engram had a standout performance in that game with nine receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. While Strange may not replicate those numbers, he is poised for a productive outing on Sunday.
Cowboys Expected to Prevail Against Giants
In another compelling matchup, the Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the New York Giants. The Giants, who struggled mightily in their season opener, are facing a Cowboys team that, despite being 0-1, displayed promising offensive capabilities against the Eagles.
The Cowboys’ star receiver, CeeDee Lamb, faced some challenges, including dropping key passes, but the team overall demonstrated the third-highest offensive success rate in Week 1. Conversely, the Giants’ offense was nearly nonexistent, failing to score a single touchdown, and their struggles from last season have continued into this year.
Despite potential overreactions following Week 1, the Giants returned 10 out of 11 starters from a lackluster offense, opting for a quarterback who has struggled in recent years. The contrast in offensive efficiency was stark, with the Commanders moving the ball effectively against the Giants’ defense, achieving the highest success rate of any team in Week 1. The expectation is that the Cowboys will capitalize on this opportunity and secure a victory.
