The season is on the line for the Cincinnati Bengals, and it's not even October. All bets are off for how they respond tonight against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night. Football. 

We're not here to make any predictions about who's starting at quarterback tonight. Will Joe Burrow play, or will Jake Browning be charged with winning his first-career start? 

No matter who's under center, here are three bold predictions for tonight's primetime matchup.

Three Bold Predictions for Bengals vs. Rams

Joe Mixon goes over 150 yards from scrimmage

Mixon has been a relative bright spot in the Bengals’ offense thus far, so is it time to officially lean on him to carry the entire unit? This looks like the week to do it. The Rams are 30th in Expected Points Added per rush allowed and 26th in overall EPA per play allowed. 

The matchup is great, but an increase in Mixon's involvement and production may be directly linked to how the offense may have to evolve with Burrow either out or limited. Mixon would make a huge statement by keeping the season alive with an equally huge outing.

Ja’Marr Chase matches last week’s yardage on one play

One of the NFL’s best deep threats wants to be used down the field more often—nothing about that is a surprise. Chase’s meeting this week with offensive coordinator Brian Callahan brings back memories of his frustration following a rough Week 2 loss to the Chicago Bears when the offense couldn’t get anything going down the field. A week later, he took the top off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense in a big win.

Chase may not have a huge game with the quarterback situation up in the air, but he's due for a big play. He has yet to reach 40 receiving yards in a game this year. 40 yards on one play would be nine more than what he had all last week. The time to try for it is now.

Bengals spark life with a trick play

We’ve seen it before against the Rams. Mixon ended up as the passer and connected with Tee Higgins to score the Bengals’ first touchdown in the Super Bowl. That play hasn’t been touched since and while it may not be the one to catch the Rams off guard, the concept rings true for this week.

Whether it's a flea flicker, double pass, or anything in-between, the Bengals could stand to get creative with their backs against the wall. Hell, they spent an entire MNF game three years ago doing so with Ryan Finley at quarterback. Expect anything to be called tonight.

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The extra day between last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens and tonight's kickoff was more than extra day of rest for Burrow. The Bengals need to find creative ways to better move the ball, especially while their quarterback is not 100%. 

In more simpler terms, the Bengals have great players and need them to put up great numbers. While the offense is not operating at full functionality, that comes down to mixing things up. And that can work even more against an uncommon opponent like the Rams. 

Only then can the Bengals get out of the rut they're stuck in.

Walking through the Bengals’ plan at quarterback for Monday Night Football

Cincinnati has a major decision to make today.

Featured image via © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports