Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals Bye Week: Men in Stripes Week Nine

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Men in Stripes is a weekly Cincinnati Bengals podcast brought to you by Stripe Hype and FanSided Networks.

The Cincinnati Bengals are 3-4-1 going into the Bye Week. Matt and Tim, Shelby had the week off, break down what this missed opportunity but not a loss means. However, with terrible defensive play means new opportunity for Wallace Gilberry to return to the Bengals. It was however the Bengals final chapter for Chris Lewis-Harris, for now as he was released.

Mike Nugent has competition. After another sub-par performance, missing a field goal and an extra point, the Bengals have brought in a number of kickers for a closer look. The Bengals reportedly brought in Randy Bullock, Kai Forbath, and, training camp kicker, Zach Hocker.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, and why is this important for the Bengals? If Baltimore wins, the Bengals are a half game behind the Ravens and Steelers for first in the division. If Pittsburgh wins, the Steelers take a game and a half lead over the Bengals.

Ben Roethlisberger is slated to return from his meniscus tear this week, but the Steelers 2-5 in the week when Big Ben returns from injury. The Ravens will look to make it 2-6 and place themselves a the top of the AFC North.

The guys then go down their lightning round picks:

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Tim’s Picks

Ravens over Steelers
Falcons over Bucs
Cowboys over Browns
Chiefs over Jaguars
Dolphins over Jets
Giants over Eagles
Vikings over Lions
Panthers over Rams
Saints over 49ers
Titans over Chargers
Packers over Colts
Oakland over Broncos
Seattle over Bills

Matt’s Picks

Ravens over Steelers
Falcons over Bucs
Cowboys over Browns
Chiefs over Jaguars
Dolphins over Jets
Eagles over Giants
Vikings over Lions
Rams over Panthers
Saints over 49ers
Titans over Chargers
Packers over Colts
Oakland over Broncos
Bills over Seattle

We hope Mike Nugent has a better week against the bye than he has had against Cleveland and Washington. The Bengals certainly need this week to regroup and make a run in the second half of the season.

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