Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati RB
The Bengals intent on improving their average of 3.0 yards per carry from last week. With tight end Tyler Eifert’s injury, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will look to exploit matchups elsewhere, which means he could move Bernard into the slot or out wide a little more.
Leon Hall, Cincinnati CB
One of the best slot corners in the league, Hall will get a chance to play inside a lot today with the number of multiple-receiver sets the Falcons like to use. Look for Hall to spend most of the day shadowing Harry Douglas.
Steven Jackson, Atlanta, RB
If he can run the ball effectively, it will create an extra set of problems for the Bengals defense as it prepares to deal with Atlanta’s large stable of big-play receivers.
Devin Hester, Atlanta, WR, KR, PR
The last thing you want to do is provide a Pro Bowl caliber returner — and possible future Hall of Famer — with extra incentive, but that’s what Bengals CB Adam Jones did earlier this week, saying he’s a better return man than Hester, who has 20 career returns for touchdowns.
Matt Bryant, Atlanta K
The NFC Special Teams Player of the Week kicked a 51-yarder to force overtime last week and a 52-yard game-winner in the extra session. He’s hit 12 of his last 14 from 50 yards or longer and owns a career long of 62, making him a huge weapon if the Falcons have the ball late in a close game.
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