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Ravens vs. Bengals predictions: Ebony Bird round table

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Free Safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Free Safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hands off to Mark Ingram
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 hands the ball off to Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Darin McCann’s prediction:

The Ravens absolutely, positively can not afford to slip up at home this weekend against the 0-5 Cincinnati Bengals, especially after that hard-fought, fortunate win against the rival Steelers last Sunday.

That’s why they’d be wise to go back to the basics.

It’s long been said that when you’re playing against a team who’s your inferior, the easiest way to blow that advantage is by turning over the ball. By giving a team more possessions, you’re negating any schematic or talent advantages you might have had going into the game. That’s why the Ravens need to run the ball in this game, and then run it some more.

And then hand it off again.

The Bengals are ranked 31st in the NFL against the run. As an interesting side note, there are 32 teams in the NFL. That means — let’s see, if you carry the 1… the Bengals can’t stop the run. It means the Bengals can not stop the run.

And the Ravens, interestingly enough, run the ball very well. From Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards through Lamar Jackson, the Ravens consistently move the ball on the ground ever since Jackson took over the starting role midway through last season. Yes, Jackson has noticeably improved as a passer, but he has thrown five picks over the past two games.

You can argue all you want about the validity of those five interceptions, and who was to blame, but the fact remains that they were thrown. The Ravens can not afford to give the Bengals life in this game. This team has been a thorn in the side of the Ravens for years, and though former coach Marvin Lewis is no longer there, there are still plenty of names on that roster who have had success against the Ravens before.

With Marquise Brown hobbling around all week and questionable to play, and other receivers not stepping up with regularity, it is critical the Ravens can move the ball on the ground. They have the scheme. They have the runners. And they have a defense in front of them that can not stop the run.

Saddle up.

Next. 5 Ravens who will dominate the Cincinnati Bengals. dark

Three bold predictions
• The Ravens will run for more than 250 yards and put up more than 450 yards of total offense,

• Matt Judon will get two sacks and recover a fumble.

• The Ravens will force three turnovers in the first three quarters.

Final score
Ravens 26 Bengals 16

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