Cedric Benson Suspension: Why the Bengals Will Still Beat Seahawks Without Him

Cedric Benson is suspended for the Cincinnati Bengals today against the Seattle Seahawks, but losing their leading rusher won't hurt the Bengals today.  When it's all said and done the Bengals will improve to 5-2 in Seattle today.

Benson is suspended for his misdemeanor assault cases that occurred during the lockout.  What was originally a three-game suspension was reduced to one, and that one game is today.

The Bengals travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks, but even playing in one of the toughest atmospheres in the league won't hold the Bengals back.

On Offense

Bernard Scott is Benson's replacement, and while he is not the power-back like Benson, he is a speedy 5'10" back who weighs less than 200 pounds.

While the Bengals won't be running straight at Seattle much, they can use Scott's speed to cut outside and get up the field.  Scott has big-play potential, and he could break off an 80-yard run on any play.

With Scott in the backfield, the Seahawks will have to focus on not letting him get outside, and that will leave the passing game open.

The Seahawks are clearly in the bottom-half of the league is pass yards allowed per game, and the rookie-combo of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be able to pick this defense apart.

On Defense

Success in Cincy has stemmed from defense.  The team ranks fifth in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game.  Sure, they've only had two interceptions in the first six games, but they have forced nine fumbles, recovering seven of them.  The defense has had 14 sacks, and are allowing less than 17 points per game.

The defense has to stop a Seattle offense that ranks 28th in passing yards per game and 31st in rushing yards per game, and is averaging about 16 points per game.  If you take away their games against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, the team is averaging a pathetic 8.25 points per game.

Seattle has a terrible offense, and this dangerous Cincy defense could shut them out for the second time this season.

Prediction: Bengals 24 Seahawks 13