There's a chance for rain Monday night above Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati, but the perfect storm will be down on the field between Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and the Washington Commanders.

Not the storm that involves a dispute with a referee, a collision between one of the best pass-catchers in the world, and an opponent that doesn't have the personnel to contain him. All under the lights, and in front of cameras broadcasting the only game on television. 

The Bengals want to see it happen. The fans would love it. 

And Chase needs it.

It was two weeks ago when Chase opened up about everything from the offseason. His contract status, how both sides have handled the process, and his reaffirmation that he's the best receiver in the NFL and wants to be paid like it.

Since then, the deadline he set for a contract extension this year with the Bengals had passed, he incurred food poisoning before his season debut, he's set to be fined for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and he's not even over 100 yards receiving on the season yet.

When the Bengals take on the Commanders on "Monday Night Football," Chase has an opportunity to squash a month's worth of frustration that's originated from multiple access points. Here's how it can happen. 

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Favorable matchup 

The strength of the Commanders' defense starts and ends with the front seven. Da'Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen are still a formidable duo with several years of experience working side by side. Bobby Wagner is also still playing well deep into his Hall of Fame career behind them at linebacker.

Such talent and continuity does not exist in the secondary. Washington is 32nd in the league in Expected Points Added per dropback allowed, and 31st in dropback success rate allowed. 

After two weeks of facing former first-round picks Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots and Trent McDuffie of the Kansas City Chiefs, Chase is set to square off against the likes of Benjamin St-Juste, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, and Mike Sainistrill. 

Kerosene and a lighter would be envious. 

Washington would be foolish to let Chase go one-on-one against any of the names listed above, so bracketing him with a safety over the top is a likely strategy. The Chiefs did this for 60 minutes last Sunday and it worked, but they didn't have to worry about Tee Higgins on the other side.

The Commanders may not get so lucky with Higgins returning to practice this week. The 25-year old playmaker is on track to making his season debut, and a full week of practice would likely lead to a full game's worth of reps.

Higgins' probable return would force the Commanders to give equal attention to both star wideouts on the field, or just take their chances and let Higgins go off against single coverage. The Bengals win either way, and the Commanders would have to make some alterations to stop Higgins at some while dealing with a less-predictable Bengals offense as a whole.

All Chase needs is some space, and he'll make the most of it with quarterback Joe Burrow looking to get him involved. 

Game script

The Bengals' first home game of the season saw their nightmares come true against the Patriots. On top of their offense sputtering out the gate, the Bengals' rush defense was struggling mightily against the Patriots. Possessions became more valuable as the game wore on, and the Patriots controlled the flow of the day and consistently played with a lead. 

It's a strategy the Commanders would love to emulate. Quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Brian Robinson are averaging 152.5 combined rushing yards per game through two weeks. Daniels has been conservative throwing the ball, but ever-so eager to run with it, and leaning on Robinson against a porous rush defense wouldn't surprise a soul.

This is how the Commanders can force the Bengals into a pass-heavy evening, which will only give Chase more chances to break out. If the Bengals take a commanding lead (no pun intended) early on, it will likely be from their passing game with Chase at the forefront. If they find themselves behind, the passing game will carry a greater emphasis to get out of the deficit. 

If the matchup between Chase and Washington's secondary is as favorable as it looks on paper with Higgins back in the picture, then points should be a guaranteed for the Bengals. The most talented player on their offense will be a part of that.

It's personal

Enough of the Jimmys and Joes. Let's close out with what really matters here.

Chase has heard talk his name plenty in recent weeks, and not always for the right reasons. Opting to sit out of practices, being questionable to play, being penalized in a high-leverage moment of a rivalry game. All noise that has made his quiet start to the season loud for all the wrong reasons.  

Enter a setting in front of a subsection of fans who have called him selfish, a group of decision-makers who couldn't cross the goal line with his extension, and a nationally-televised spotlight.

If there was a time to deliver a message with his play, it's right now. 

Chase is the best receiver in the NFL who doesn't have long-term contractual security aside from his $50 million insurance policy. A primetime game with all the ingredients for domination is the perfect environment to prove why that's a mistake.

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