Paycor Stadium will feel like a meeting between two teams racing toward the same prize on Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals are both 2-1, but they arrive with different questions. Jacksonville wants to show that last season’s 13-win surprise was the beginning of something bigger. Cincinnati wants to prove its old championship spark is still burning after a tough 6-11 season a year ago.

The Bengals know this path well. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins helped Cincinnati reach the Super Bowl early in their careers by turning quick throws and deep shots into big plays. Now they are trying to climb back into that group of top AFC teams. Cincinnati opened 2-0 before its close 30-27 loss to Pittsburgh last week, so this game is a chance to answer quickly at home.

Burrow is listed as questionable with a back issue, though reports say he should be ready if he has no setback. His availability matters because the Bengals’ passing game is their loudest weapon. Chase already has three touchdown catches, and he can turn a short pass into a sprint toward the end zone. Higgins gives Burrow a bigger target who can make difficult catches, and his 244 receiving yards lead the team. Covering both wideouts is like trying to shut two doors at once.

Jacksonville’s defense has been especially tough through three games. The Jaguars have allowed only 12 points per game, and they forced extra chances for their offense by taking the ball away often. That defense helped power last week’s 35-6 win over New England. Still, it will face a major road challenge against Chase and Higgins, especially if several Jacksonville defenders listed as questionable cannot play.

The Bengals can help Burrow by leaning on Chase Brown. Brown has rushed for 197 yards while also catching short passes, giving Cincinnati a speedy runner who can keep defenders from focusing only on the wide receivers. The Bengals need that balance because they have allowed more yards than they have gained so far. Their defense has given up 355.7 yards per game, which means Lawrence may find room to attack.

Trevor Lawrence has thrown seven touchdown passes in three games, and he can also scramble when a play breaks down. His young running back, Bhayshul Tuten, brings sharp cuts and speed to the ground game. Tuten has already rushed for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his larger role. If Jacksonville runs well, Lawrence can use play-action, when a quarterback fakes a handoff before throwing, to create openings downfield.

Brian Thomas Jr. is questionable with a shoulder injury, so Jacksonville may need other targets, including Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange, to make important catches. That makes Lawrence’s calm decision-making even more valuable.

This should be a fast, tense AFC showdown. Cincinnati has the home crowd and star power, but Jacksonville has played more complete defense and comes in with a sharper recent performance. Prediction: The Jaguars will win a close game and leave Cincinnati with another important early-season victory.

Jaguars Bring Their Fast Start to Burrow’s Home Field