In Week 8, two of the most electrifying receiver duos in the league go head-to-head as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams have a pair of standout receivers capable of taking over games, but injuries have hurt their production this season

While AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith bring a mix of physicality and precision to the Eagles offense, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provide speed and burst for the Bengals.

With both doubles leading their teams’ aerial attacks, this clash will come down to which opposing defense can be overcome. Let’s break down each receiving room and examine the pairs.

Must read: Amazing Eagles vs Bengals Stats That Could Influence Philly’s Strategy

AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith have played a combined total of just eight games this season, reflecting the impact of injuries. Despite limited playing time, this duo managed 41 receptions, 625 yards and five touchdowns, contributing to a 33.8% target rate.

The Eagles’ offensive scheme leans more towards the run game, with 48.72% of their plays resulting in passes. Additionally, the Eagles’ pass-blocking unit has held up well, boasting a 66 percent win rate, which allows Brown and Smith to get open for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., Our friends at DraftKings have the prop lines of Brown and Smith available:

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have once again been quite productive this season, combining for 12 games played, 68 receptions, 961 yards and nine touchdowns for a 41.1% target rate.

The Bengals, unlike the Eagles, have a tougher approach, with 66.85 percent of their plays coming through the air.

However, the Bengals’ offensive line has struggled a bit more than Philadelphia’s, as evidenced by their 57% pass block win rate. That could limit Joe Burrow’s time to target Chase and Higgins, especially against a relentless Eagles pass rush.

Here are the current DraftKings player lines for Chase and Higgins (if the latter plays):

Brown and Smith should find openings against a Bengals defense that has allowed 1,519 passing yards and is giving up 25.7 points per game. While Cincinnati’s pass rush has 12 sacks and a 42 percent win rate, it’s not as dominant as Philadelphia’s, meaning Hurts may have time to find his top targets.

The Bengals’ ability to generate returns with six interceptions (tied for sixth) could be a concern, but the Eagles’ more conservative passing approach can cut down on risky throws. Against the Bengals, Brown and Smith could exploit coverage, especially when Cincinnati has already allowed 1,519 passing yards this season.

However, given the Eagles’ tendency to pass infrequently, their success could depend on play-action and well-timed deep shots.

The Eagles defense has allowed 1,135 passing yards and 19.2 points per game, but ranks near the bottom of the league with just two interceptions this season. Chase and Higgins could have a strong showing if Burrow gets the protection he needs, but again, that’s assuming Higgins plays on Sunday.

However, Philadelphia’s front seven was formidable, recording 19 sacks with a 43% win rate. That pressure could force Burrow to throw faster, limiting the fielding opportunities for Chase and Higgins.

The Eagles secondary is allowing the sixth-most targets and ninth-most receptions to opposing receivers, suggesting Chase and Higgins could have opportunities for big plays.

Both receiver duos have dealt with injuries this season – some missing more time than others, affecting their production. However, with both teams depending heavily on their top receivers, expect those four receivers to be focal points on Sunday.

The outcome of this matchup may hinge on which offensive line can provide better protection and which defense can limit big plays, potentially capitalizing on turnovers.

Either way, fans should be in for an interesting competition between two of the most talented wide receiver pairings in the league.