Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals
When: Sunday, 9/27/2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Live Stream: NFL.com
Radio: 98 Rock, Westwood One
Radio Crew: Gerry Sandusky, Stan White, Qadry Ismail
TV: CBS
TV Crew: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Preview: The Bengals and the Ravens face off in their first of two divisional games this season, this one taking place in the friendly (or unfriendly) confines of M&T Bank Stadium. These two bitter rivals are headed in two vastly different directions with 2 weeks of the NFL season in the books.
The Bengals are 2-0 after a blowout road win over the Oakland Raiders in week 1 and a strong victory over the San Diego Chargers at home in week 2. Things are clicking in every sense for the Bengals, who have ridden a strong defense and the arm of Andy Dalton to first place in the AFC North.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are 0-2 for the first time in the John Harbaugh era and for the first time since 2005. After coupling a strong defensive effort with poor offensive effort in week 1 against the Broncos, the Ravens put up 33 points against the Raiders in week 2 but also gave up 37.
While the Ravens have been one of the NFL’s best home teams over the last several seasons, they are hosting a Bengals’ squad that beat them both at home and on the road last season. It will take a balanced and much improved effort to keep the Ravens from falling to 0-3 this week.
With that said, it’s hard to bet against the Ravens, who have been one of the most consistently excellent teams in the league over the last 20 years. But this season might be the toughest yet for Baltimore, who may find them themselves in unfamiliar territory with a third straight loss.
Betting line: Ravens -2 1/2 -15, Bengals 44 1/2u -10
Prediction: Bengals 27, Ravens 24
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