Bengals vs 49ers predictions

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(10-24-2023, 12:13 PM)Nepa Wrote: For those noting the 49ers difficulties the last two weeks, it should be referenced that both were away games, in rather raucous stadiums (Cleveland and Minnesota). In fact, I've seen Minnesota on lists of loudest stadiums and we know the Browns stadium was rocking against the 49ers. The announcers last night noted how playing in front of a Vikings crowd helped Cousins in terms of communication and hurt Purdy.

This game will be in front of a 49ers crowd that can also be raucous when the Bengals are on offense, and now Purdy will have a quiet stadium when he is on offense. We might see the 49ers the way they were earlier in the year, when they were rolling over teams in their home stadium.

I also think on-field officials are impacted by fan bases. I was reading an article about college coaches "taking advantage of sympathetic referees." These part-time NFL officials seem to be clearly impacted by the fan bases. The 49ers are regularly rated one of the top ten fan bases (along with Pittsburgh, of course) and I would imagine a study of favorable calls would correlate with those fan bases.

My heart says the Bengals will win and the short turn around for the 49ers/extra prep days for Bengals can be an important factor. But the game could also turn ugly if the 49ers find their footing back in their home stadium, where their average margin of victory this season has been 23, with margins of 18, 19, and 32 (over Dallas).

They looked almost unbeatable with all of their stars healthy. Now that a couple are out/have missed time, they don't look so hot. Shanahan should be able to scheme around injuries though, especially considering your starting QB is healthy.