Live Updates: Bengals vs. Commanders in Week 3 ‘Monday Night Football’

This week marks the third installment of the 2024 NFL season, featuring the first “Monday Night Football” doubleheader as the Washington Commanders (1-1) face off against the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2).

In Week 2, Washington managed to secure their first victory under Dan Quinn without scoring a single touchdown, earning a 21-18 win over the New York Giants thanks to six field goals. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels started Week 3 ranked third in completion percentage (75.5%) among quarterbacks. The Commanders are also noted for having the fifth-ranked rushing offense in the league, aided by Daniels’ agility.

Surprisingly, the Bengals have started the season at 0-2, losing to the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive weeks. This continues a troublesome trend for Cincinnati, who are 3-7 in September since the 2022 season began. However, they may get wide receiver Tee Higgins back on the field after he missed the first two games due to a hamstring issue. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ pass defense has performed well this year, currently ranking second in the league for yards allowed per game (128.5).

This matchup is notable as it’s the first since 1981 featuring two former LSU Tigers starting at quarterback. The last time these teams met, Washington claimed a 20-9 victory in Week 11 of the 2020 season. Stay tuned for live updates, highlights, and more from the Bengals vs. Commanders game below:

Halftime: Commanders lead 21, Bengals 13

The Commanders had an impressive first half on the road, scoring touchdowns on all three of their offensive drives, except for a kneel-down at the half’s end. Three players contributed to the touchdowns: Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jayden Daniels.

Although Cincinnati gained more yards (236-205), they struggled in the red zone. Their only touchdown was a 41-yard pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase, while their other three drives ended in field goal attempts (two successful, one missed).

Washington will receive the ball first in the second half, aiming to increase their 8-point lead.

Bengals kick a 31-yard field goal

Once again, Cincinnati struggled in the red zone, advancing 57 yards over nine plays. On third-and-6, Burrow and Chase narrowly missed a first down. Head coach Zac Taylor opted for a field goal, with Evan McPherson successfully converting from 31 yards to narrow Washington’s lead to 21-13.

Jayden Daniels connects with Terry McLaurin for a 55-yard gain, followed by a rushing touchdown

After limited connection in the first two games, Daniels and McLaurin finally combined for a big play against the Bengals, with McLaurin splitting coverage and creating a first-and-goal opportunity.

Daniels then capped the drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, increasing the Commanders’ lead to 21-10.

Evan McPherson scores a 28-yard field goal

After missing his initial 48-yard attempt, McPherson redeemed himself with a successful 28-yard field goal, trimming Washington’s lead to four points.

While the Bengals moved the ball well, the Commanders’ defense held strong in the red zone, forcing the team to settle for another field goal.

Bengals vs. Commanders: Austin Ekeler scores on a 24-yard touchdown run

Washington found the end zone again, as Ekeler took advantage of a gap on the left side, sprinting through for a touchdown.

Ekeler had a strong start to the game, accumulating 54 yards and a touchdown on just four touches, pushing the Commanders ahead 14-7 in the second quarter.

Noah Brown makes a remarkable sliding catch

Daniels delivered a low pass to Brown on second-and-10, and the veteran wide receiver showcased impressive diving skills to secure the catch, bringing Washington close to field goal range.

Bengals’ Evan McPherson misses from 48 yards

Following a catch from Tee Higgins, the Bengals couldn’t convert on the drive and had to settle for a 48-yard field goal. McPherson, however, missed the opportunity, ending a streak of 29 consecutive successful attempts from within 50 yards for the third-year kicker.

Washington now has a chance to take the lead for the first time.

End of the first quarter: Commanders and Bengals tied

Both teams got off to a strong offensive start in this “Monday Night Football” match. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels combined for 11 completions out of 12 attempts, totaling 138 yards and a touchdown in just the first quarter.

The defenses have struggled to keep pace, suggesting that we could see a high-scoring game as anticipated.

Tee Higgins makes his first catch after injury

Making his return after a hamstring injury, Tee Higgins caught his first pass of the season during the Bengals’ second drive, gaining 14 yards for a first down while shaking off a tackle.

Is Luke McCaffrey related to Christian McCaffrey?

For those curious, yes, Luke McCaffrey is the brother of Christian McCaffrey. Luke was selected in the third round.

The younger McCaffrey, drafted in the 2024 NFL draft from Rice, has integrated himself into Washington’s receiving lineup during his first season.

Starting his college journey at Nebraska in 2019, McCaffrey initially played as a quarterback but transitioned to wide receiver to enhance his prospects of reaching the NFL.

Brian Robinson scores a 1-yard touchdown to respond to the Bengals’ score

The Commanders successfully moved the ball the full length of the field on their opening drive, culminating in running back Brian Robinson scoring a touchdown from one yard out.

This touchdown was set up by an excellent fourth-and-2 pass from Jayden Daniels to Luke McCaffrey at the Bengals’ 32-yard line. McCaffrey made the reception for a first down and carried the ball down to the 2-yard line before being knocked out of bounds.

Joe Burrow connects with Ja’Marr Chase for a 41-yard touchdown

The Bengals started their “Monday Night Football” game energetically, with Burrow launching a deep pass to Chase after methodically advancing down the field, easily connecting with his former college teammate.

Chase recorded two receptions for 42 yards and the touchdown on that opening drive.

Commanders vs. Bengals game time

Date: Monday, Sept. 23, 2024
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The game between the Commanders and Bengals will conclude the initial “Monday Night Football” doubleheader of the 2024 NFL season at 8:15 p.m. ET.

The Bills and Jaguars are also set to compete on Monday night, with kickoff at 7:30.

Where to watch Monday Night Football tonight?

TV: ABC
Live Stream: ESPN+

The second game of the doubleheader featuring the Washington Commanders against the Cincinnati Bengals will be available on ABC.

Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (color commentary), and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter) will cover the game for ABC.

Bengals inactives list vs. Commanders

The Bengals welcome back wide receiver Tee Higgins for their game against the Commanders, providing a significant boost to their receiving unit.

Here’s the list of inactive players for this matchup against Washington:

Commanders inactives list vs. Bengals

The Commanders are still waiting for the return of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who is sidelined with a thumb injury. Below is the list of Commanders players who are inactive against Cincinnati:

Predictions and picks for Commanders at Bengals

The YSL News Sports team offers their predictions for this second “Monday Night Football” matchup in Week 3:

Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 30, Commanders 13
Tyler Dragon: Bengals 26, Commanders 20
Richard Morin: Bengals 27, Commanders 20
Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 22, Commanders 15

NFL rookie QB rushing record: Jayden Daniels may make the list

The record for the most rushing yards in a rookie season by a quarterback is held by Robert Griffin III, who achieved this in 2012 with Washington, earning the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year. He completed 120 rush attempts, leading the league with an average of 6.8 yards per carry. Currently, Jayden Daniels is on track for more than 220 rush attempts and over 1,100 rushing yards, potentially surpassing Lamar Jackson’s record of 147 attempts for a rookie.

Robert Griffin III (Washington, 2012): 815 rushing yards
Cam Newton (Carolina, 2011): 706 rushing yards
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore, 2018): 695 rushing yards
Josh Allen (Buffalo, 2018): 631 rushing yards
Vince Young (Tennessee, 2006): 552 rushing yards
Kyler Murray (Arizona, 2019): 544 rushing yards
Billy Kilmer (San Francisco, 1961): 509 rushing yards
Russell Wilson (Seattle, 2012): 489 rushing yards
Justin Fields (Chicago, 2021): 420 rushing yards

Will Tee Higgins play against the Commanders?

Tee Higgins is anticipated to make his first appearance of the season against the Commanders on “Monday Night Football.” After missing the first two weeks due to a hamstring strain, Bengals coach Zac Taylor has confirmed that Higgins is fully recovered for the game.

Last season, Higgins had a total of 42 receptions for 646 yards and five touchdowns across 12 games, despite missing five due to rib and hamstring injuries.

Who are the highest-paid NFL players by position?

Here’s a comprehensive list of who holds the top-paid positions:

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles
Offensive guards
Centers
Edge rushers
Interior defensive linemen
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Kickers
Punters

AFC North standings

The Bengals are currently the only winless team in the AFC North, but a victory on Sunday Night Football against the Commanders could lead to a three-way tie for second place. The Steelers have had an unexpected strong start, remaining undefeated alongside the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Vikings through the initial three weeks.

Steelers 3-0

Ravens 1-2

Browns 1-2

Bengals 0-2

NFC East standings

A win on Sunday Night Football would allow the Commanders to equal the Eagles for first place in their division. The Cowboys have underperformed, losing their last two games at home against the Saints and Ravens.

Eagles 2-1

Commanders 1-1

Giants 1-1

Cowboys 1-2

Weather update for Bengals vs. Commanders

The weather conditions may impact the game between the Bengals and Commanders early on. Temperatures should be pleasant in the 70s during the game; however, there is a forecast of potential rain and thunderstorms from 6-8 p.m. near Paycor Stadium.

The Weather Channel reports that wind speeds will peak at 5 mph, but there may be some storms in the early hours.

Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels: A Historic LSU QB Showdown

The upcoming matchup between the Commanders and the Bengals offers NFL fans a rare sight: it features two ex-LSU quarterbacks. Joe Burrow, who claimed the Heisman Trophy and national title with the Tigers in 2019, is now with Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Washington’s rookie Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and was the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Who Holds the Title of Highest-Paid NFL Player?

As reported by OverTheCap.com, all the top 18 players in the NFL by average annual salary are quarterbacks. On Sunday morning, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys secured his spot as the league’s highest-paid player with a four-year contract worth $240 million. Following him, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson made headlines as the first non-quarterback on the list after signing a four-year, $140 million extension this offseason.

Bengals and Commanders Players Dine Before Their Clash

Before their Monday Night Football game at Paycor Stadium, players from the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders enjoyed a fine dining experience.

Kate featured several players from both teams, including quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, who were seen at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse on Sunday night, as noted in a post on X by the local restaurateur. The coaching staff, owners, general managers, some retired players, and the ESPN broadcast team were also present at the steakhouse, according to Ruby’s announcement.

While Ruby did not clarify whether the teams dined together or separately, he expressed his delight in hosting them. “As a restaurateur, it’s rewarding to welcome both the Commanders and Bengals for dinner,” Ruby shared. “Thank you for visiting. Our guests loved seeing you.”

Betting Odds for Commanders vs. Bengals

The Bengals are currently favored to win against the Commanders, according to the latest NFL odds from BetMGM. If you’re interested in placing a bet, explore the best mobile sports betting apps available for NFL betting promotions in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Spread: Bengals (-7.5)
Moneyline: Cincinnati (-375); Washington (+290)
Over/under: 47

Injury Report for the Washington Commanders

OUT

DE Clelin Ferrell (knee)

QUESTIONABLE

CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb)

Injury Report for the Cincinnati Bengals