Our Columnists’ Predictions for Today’s Jaguars-Bengals Game

Alan Wilson: The Jaguars always seem to play down to their level of competition. This week will be no different. The Jaguars pass rush has been downright pathetic, and the tackling in the secondary makes one wonder if PeeWee football recruits would fare any better. There just doesn't seem to be any trust on defense with each other right now, and I think that disease continues this week against 0-8 Cincinnati. QB David Garrard is carrying this team right now, and he will lead them to victory in Week 9. But it won't be a blowout. Jaguars 23, Bengals 21 Maxwell Lee: Let's keep this short and simple. Cincinnati is 0-8. They have nothing left to play for. They are relying on a 7th-round backup QB who has thrown for 2 TDs and 5 INTs this year. Their rushing defense is 28th in the league, giving up nearly 150 yards a game. Jacksonville should win this game. Jacksonville needs to win this game. Jacksonville will win this game, even if it's not pretty. Oh, and Fred Taylor will get his 19 yards to finally reach 11,000 on an illustrious career. Jaguars - 1, Bengals - 0 Cole Pepper: The Jaguars are smarting from last week's loss to the Browns. They've been focused this week. Without Carson Palmer, the Bengals don't have the firepower to take advantage of the Jaguars struggling defense. It's a game the Jaguars have to win to have any chance the rest of the season. Even though they are not the same team as they were a year ago, Jack Del Rio does a good job of getting his team ready to bounce back after losses. Jags 24 Bengals 10