The Baltimore Ravens are expected to have a tough time in Cincinnati, but that’s because of recent history, not the current situation:
The Baltimore Ravens don’t like going to Cincinnati. The Ravens haven’t beaten the Bengals on the road since 2011 and all the less than fun facts come with it. There are obviously a lot of experts who are skeptical about the purple and black winning this game. However a win in Cincinnati would not be a surprising outcome for the Ravens. They’re the better team and the match-up favors Baltimore.
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of flash, I’ll grant you that. Andy Dalton is a capable quarterback, A.J. Green is more than capable at the wide receiver position. Tyler Eifert is a big bodied touchdown machine of a tight end.
John Ross is listed as questionable, but he’s a fast weapon the Ravens may end up having to account for. The Ravens have a lot to stop, but they are more than prepared for the challenge.
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The Ravens have the best front seven in football (an opinion I feel pretty confident in). The Cincinnati Bengals have an iffy offensive line. Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher are going to have a tough time at the tackle positions. The Ravens have speed and power off the edge, a double dosage that could prove lethal for the Bengals passing attack. Once they get used to Terrell Suggs and Matt Judon, they’ll have to be ready for Tyus Bowser, Za’Darius Smith and maybe even Tim Williams.
It shouldn’t be a fun day for the interior of the Bengals offensive line either. Russell Bodine and company should have a rough day against Michael Pierce, Brandon Williams and every wave of the Ravens deep defensive front. All across the board, the Ravens have the more powerful and athletic players up front. The Bengals flash could easily by closed rushing lanes and a constantly collapsing pocket.
The Take home message:
Do the Bengals have a shot to win this game? Absolutely. They’re at home, and they have A.J. Green who has written an Edgar Allen Poe worthy nightmare for the Ravens. Calling this a toss up game is fair, especially because the Ravens offense has a similar challenge against a good Bengals defense. Just don’t call it surprising if the purple and black return to Baltimore with a win and lot’s of smiles.
Next: Ravens vs. Bengals: 5 players to watch
This should be a physical AFC North battle. It shouldn’t be easy for either team. The Ravens have two things going for them, a great defense and Justin Tucker. The Ravens don’t have to put up a ton of points to win this one in my estimation. The offense just needs to be steady, and that is a goal within their reach.