The Baltimore Ravens can’t just show up and expect to win against the Cincinnati Bengals, it never works like that.
One win. That’s all that the Baltimore Ravens need to clinch a playoff berth. We know this by now and regardless of any of the outside noise, the Ravens have to show up at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon and win. The problem is, it’s not as easy as me saying it. Despite the Cincinnati Bengals’ 6-9 record this season, they’ll be looking to play every part of playoff spoiler this week.
The Ravens know a win against a division rival is never guaranteed, especially in the AFC North. It hasn’t been the Steelers that have given the Ravens fits in recent years, but rather the Bengals themselves. The Bengals have won six out of the last eight meetings and if there’s anything Marvin Lewis has been able to do consistently throughout his tenure with the Bengals, it’s beat the Ravens. Good news for the Ravens is they’ve won two out of the last three, including a 20-0 shutout Week 1 but we’re months removed from that first game. Anything can happen in Week 17.
I know many are pushing the narrative of Bengals players wanting to send Lewis out on a high note to end his career and it definitely plays a part. But more so, the Bengals would want nothing better than sending the Ravens packing for the third straight season. The Ravens can still clinch a postseason berth with losses by the Titans or Bills but that’s not in their favor. Both teams are currently favored in their respective matchups heading into Sunday. With nine late afternoon games, there’s the potential to be complete chaos around the league. The last thing the Ravens want is their playoff hopes to be decided in the hands of another team.
This game just gives me a weird feeling. I’m sure Ravens fans can agree. It always feels like this when the Bengals are on the schedule. They’re one of those teams that no matter the record, you can never chalk up a win.
Chris Schisler said it best, the Ravens have the tools to win this game but Dean Pees has to have a plan to stop A.J. Green. He’s been the kryptonite in the past and has 800 career receiving yards against the Ravens. Without Jimmy Smith shadowing him the entire game, Andy Dalton will look to target Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Carr. If the Ravens can shut down their biggest threat, they’ll be preparing for the wild-card round next week.
Next: Dean Pees must have a plan to stop A.J. Green
If you don’t think this game is going to be close, then you don’t know AFC North football. It’s close the majority of the time these two teams play and the Ravens need one of their best performances of the season to secure a win and a playoff berth for the first time since 2014.