Ravens vs. Bengals: The Showdown for AFC North Supremacy

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BALTIMORE- The Cincinnati Bengals travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens for what is the most important game for both teams so far this season. This matchup has a playoff feel to it since both teams have a chance to make the post-season.

The Ravens are a team known for elite defense. That’s the reputation they have for all the many years of putting fear and doubt into the minds of opposing players on offense. The 2021 Ravens defense is no exception. However, this unit will be tested against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow who isn’t among the league leaders in passing yards but he averages 8.9 yards per pass. Covering Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins is never a small task.

The Ravens are one of the top running teams in the NFL. This team currently ranks fourth in the NFL in total rushing yards. This is their primary edge over the Bengals. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the most evasive quarterbacks we’ve ever seen. Yes, we all talk about his ability to take off and run for big yards. His ability to avoid sacks and extend also gives defenses headaches. He’s becoming a better passer with time. The early reputation of Jackson being nothing more than a running back is an incorrect conclusion that we wish we could take back. Leave that one in history notes because that analysis was wrong.

The Bengals have the potential for splash plays on offense every time. If containing Burrow, Boyd, Higgins, and Chase aren’t enough of a challenge the Ravens defense also has to slow down running back Joe Mixon on top of that. This game has early playoff implications and this ought to be one of the most exciting games of the year.

Prediction:

The Ravens defense will do enough to prevent Cincinnati from scoring 30+ points but this will be a tight game. Expect a physical game from both teams with a lot of mental toughness on display.

Ravens 35 Bengals 28.