Jacksonville @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 5, 2017 ) Cincinnati 7, Jacksonville 23

With the drama surrounding Jalen Ramsey finally over, the Jacksonville Jaguars now can focus on getting back in the race in the AFC South. Jacksonville looks to avoid a third straight loss when it visits the winless Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

The Jaguars, who are two games behind division-leading Houston, shipped the disgruntled Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams for draft picks this week - finally granting the All-Pro cornerback's trade request that came after a sideline argument with coach Doug Marrone and was followed by a questionable back injury that kept him sidelined for the team's last three games. Jacksonville still managed to put up a solid defensive effort last week as it entered the fourth quarter against New Orleans tied before dropping a 13-6 decision. Cincinnati is coming off a 23-17 setback at Baltimore, its fourth game this season in which it lost by less than a touchdown. Brandon Wilson got the Bengals off to a good start, returning the opening kickoff for a TD, but the team was unable to find the end zone again until late in the fourth quarter.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -4. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (2-4): Rookie Gardner Minshew II hopes for a better performance after throwing for only 163 yards against the Saints and failing to record a touchdown pass for the first time in six contests. Minshew could be without a few targets this week as tight end Geoff Swaim is in concussion protocol after taking a violent hit to the head in the loss to New Orleans while wide receiver Marqise Lee suffered an ankle injury in the setback and has not practiced. Leonard Fournette registered 118 yards from scrimmage last week to join Cleveland's Nick Chubb as the only players in the NFL with at least 85 in each of their first six games this season.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (0-6): Wilson's 92-yard score against the Ravens was the first opening kickoff returned for a touchdown since Pharoh Cooper of the Los Angeles Rams accomplished the feat versus Jacksonville on Oct. 15, 2017 and first by a Bengal since Bernard Scott in 2009 versus Pittsburgh. Joe Mixon, who leads the team in rushing with only 252 yards, has averaged 102.5 yards from scrimmage over his last 10 home games. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd also has performed well at home of late, recording at least 10 receptions and 120 yards in each of his last three contests at Paul Brown Stadium.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bengals have failed to score an offensive touchdown in the first three quarters of each of their last three games.

2. Jacksonville signed CB Parry Nickerson to replace Ramsey on the roster.

3. Cincinnati placed DE Kerry Wynn (concussion) on injured reserve, waived HB Samaje Perine, claimed OL Fred Johnson off waivers from Pittsburgh and signed DE Anthony Zettel.

PREDICTION: Jaguars 24, Bengals 13