Week 2 delivers an early-season AFC showdown when the Jacksonville Jaguars storm into Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a Sunday afternoon clash (1:00 PM ET) that could reveal which team is ready to take a step forward in 2025. Both squads enter this matchup hungry to build momentum after Week 1, with the Jaguars looking to prove their offensive firepower can travel on the road and the Bengals aiming to protect home turf against a rising AFC rival. The chess match between Jacksonville’s dynamic playmakers and Cincinnati’s defensive adjustments—still fine-tuning under a new-look coaching staff—promises to be the game’s defining battle.

History adds spice to this meeting: these teams split their last two contests, each winning on their home field, and another tight, high-stakes duel could be in store. With playoff positioning already lurking in the background—even in September—the urgency will be palpable. Can the Jaguars’ speed overwhelm a Bengals defense that thrives on creating turnovers? Or will Cincinnati’s home crowd fuel a statement performance? Sunday’s answer might just set the tone for both teams’ seasons.