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3 reasons the Bengals will upset the Titans in the divisional round

By Russell S. Baxter

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals rolls right and looks to make a pass play in the third quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Paul Brown Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals rolls right and looks to make a pass play in the third quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Paul Brown Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are in the AFC Divisional Playoffs for the first time since 1990. Can they surprise the top-seeded Tennessee Titans at Nashville?

It’s the only game of the four this weekend that is not a rematch from the regular season. For what it’s worth, the Cincinnati Bengals did defeat the Tennessee Titans a year ago at Paul Brown Stadium, 31-20, in Week 8. Zac Taylor’s club won only four games in 2020.

But this is 2021

and Mike Vrabel’s club not only won the AFC South for the second straight year but is the conference’s top seed for the first time since 2008. The team brings a three-game winning streak into this playoff encounter. Will running back Derrick Henry return for this contest?

How the Bengals can upset the Titans in the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs

3. Cincinnati’s defensive line wins the day: The organization did a tremendous job this offseason adding the likes of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who earned All-Pro honors with the Bengals. The team finished last in the league in 2020 with 17 sacks and totaled 42 quarterback traps in 17 games this year. Can they get in Ryan Tannehill’s face?

2. Bengals’ defense turns over Ryan Tannehill multiple times: The Bengals forced 21 turnovers in 17 outings this year and had two big takeaways in last week’s win over the Raiders. Earlier this year, Tannehill had a four-interception day in a stunning home loss to the Texans. And the Titans committed a disappointing 25 turnovers this season.

1. Joe Burrow stays out of harm’s way: The confident second-year signal-caller has taken a beating this year and still put up big numbers. He and rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase were electrifying down the stretch. But Burrow was also sacked 51 times and face an improved Tennessee pass rush that finished with 43 sacks.

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Meanwhile, perhaps the biggest thing that the Cincinnati Bengals have to overcome is their own history. The franchise is 0-7 lifetime on the road in the postseason.

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