Week 17 Preview: Bengals vs Ravens
It has been a season filled controversies, protests of police brutality, low fan attendance, and a league that seems to be losing its grasp on relating to the fan base it caters to. The Baltimore Ravens know one thing: Win and they’re in. On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals would be more than pleased to make the Ravens path to the postseason a little more difficult. The Bengals are going to finish this season under .500 alongside long-time head coach, Marvin Lewis, who is calling it quits after fifteen seasons. The Ravens are going to likely make the playoffs with a passing game ranked 29th in pass yards, but will need to find a way to make it more effective, or they will have a quick out in the big dance.
How The Bengals Win:
If there is any team that knows how to beat the Ravens, it’s the Bengals. They are 5-2 over the last three years against the Ravens, and Marvin Lewis would love one more win under his belt before he steps down. With Jimmy Smith out, expect A.J. Green to have a field day against one-on-one coverage, especially if he gets over the top. The Bengals defense is going to have to play its most disciplined game this Sunday, as they average roughly 7 penalties per game, as well as 64 penalty yards per game.
Recently did some research on #Bengals HC Marvin Lewis. His 15-year AFC North record, including playoffs and entering this week, is 46-45. Right on par w/.500 Marv.
Vs #Browns: 21-9
Vs #Ravens: 17-12
Vs #Steelers: 8-24 (2 playoff losses)— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) December 27, 2017
How The Ravens Win:
The Ravens were only able to score 23 points against the 20th ranked defense last Saturday. It seemed that the outdoor team (Ravens) struggled with the elements more than the indoor team (Colts), but this was typical for Baltimore’s offensive unit. The Ravens will need to run the ball at least 35+ times to keep the Bengals offense off the field and to keep their defense rested towards the end of the game. Quarterback Joe Flacco has posted a passer rating average of 98.3 over the past four games, and he will need to keep that up, along with a solid running game.
John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens criticizes NFL after Sunday's game time was changed #like https://t.co/oHa6grK6No
— Dawson Casias (@dawsocasidance) December 27, 2017
Prediction: Ravens 19 Bengals 16
