Joe Burrow turned a 13-point halftime hole into a 35-13 Bengals win over Baltimore two weeks ago. Cam Ward, meanwhile, led Tennessee on a late touchdown drive last week, only to watch Cleveland kick a field goal in the final seconds. Those two endings meet Sunday at Paycor Stadium, where Cincinnati is chasing a playoff spot and Tennessee is trying to turn close moments into a new direction.

The 4-2 Bengals arrive with the louder offense. They score more than 27 points per game because Burrow can spread the ball to a deep group of targets. Tee Higgins is coming off a huge day against Baltimore and already has 571 receiving yards. His size and strong hands make him difficult to stop when the ball is in the air. Ja’Marr Chase has five touchdown catches, showing why defenses must always know where he is. Chase is listed as questionable with an ankle issue, so his status will be important before kickoff.

If Tennessee gives too much attention to those receivers, Chase Brown can make them pay. Brown runs with quick cuts and also catches short passes, giving Burrow another fast option. Cincinnati does not run for many yards compared with its passing total, but Brown can help keep the offense balanced. The Bengals will also need to protect their tight end group after Erick All Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Tennessee’s challenge is clear: slow down Burrow while finding enough offense to keep pace. The Titans allow more than 364 yards per game, and Cincinnati’s passing game can attack open spaces all over the field. Tennessee has several defenders on injured reserve, while defensive end John Franklin-Myers is questionable. A strong pass rush, meaning defenders reaching the quarterback quickly, could change the afternoon. Without it, Burrow may have time to let Higgins and Chase work downfield.

The Titans can answer with Tony Pollard, who ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland. Pollard gives Ward a powerful helper, especially after Tennessee has struggled to move the ball through the air. Ward has shown he can run when a play breaks down, and he nearly guided a dramatic finish last Sunday. But he has also thrown five interceptions this season. Against a Bengals team that has created more takeaways than it has given away, Ward must make calm, careful choices.

Wide receiver Carnell Tate is questionable with a shoulder injury, which could make Ward’s job tougher. Tate leads the Titans with 34 catches and gives the young quarterback a reliable target. If he cannot play at full strength, Tennessee may lean even harder on Pollard and short throws.

This game is a chance for Cincinnati to prove its Baltimore comeback was the start of a stronger run. Tennessee has shown fight, but its 1-6 record and uneven offense leave a steep hill in a noisy road stadium. Expect Burrow, Higgins, and Cincinnati’s playmakers to control the key moments. The prediction: the Bengals win.

Joe Burrow and Cam Ward Bring Different Chapter to Paycor Stadium