Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team 8/20/21 - NFL Picks & Predictions

The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Washington Football Team on Friday in a week 2 NFL preseason matchup. Cincinnati opened its preseason with a 19-14 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Kyle Shurmur passed for 118 yards and Brandon Allen added 77 yards passing. Jacques Patrick rushed for 71 yards. 

Cincinnati's defense was led by Kavon Frazier, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Markus Bailey and Trayvon Henderson with four tackles apiece. Anderson and Frazier each had an interception for Cincinnati. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow was not even dressed after coming off major knee surgery and is not likely to play during the preseason. Defensive end Joseph Ossai hurt his wrist but is expected back on Friday.

Washington opened its preseason with a 22-13 loss to the New England Patriots. Washington’s Steve Montez passed for 118 yards with one touchdown as well as one interception. Tyler Heinicke threw for 86 yards and regular season starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick at 58 yards passing in his debut with WFT. Washington's running game was led by Jaret Patterson with 40 yards while Patterson also was the leading receiver with 30 yards

Justin Phillips made five tackles for Washington to lead the club and Darrick Forrest had four tackles. Fitzpatrick's debut with Washington was short-lived as he only played two series prior to being replaced by Heinicke and Montez. Washington did not report any new injuries following the opening game of the preseason. Head coach Ron Rivera is expected to play more starters on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Washington against Cincinnati.