The Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) play in a battle between division rivals a Baltimore Ravens (0-2) team that does a better job defending the run than the pass so anticipate an aerial attack in this game. The NFL’s fourth-leading rusher, Giovani Bernard (186 yards ) will be a player to watch in this game. It will air Sunday, Sep 27 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
This week’s clash marks the first meeting for these AFC North rivals this season. The Bengals have been victorious in the last three over the Ravens, going back to the 2013 season. C.J. Mosley led the Ravens defensive effort in the last meeting, recording eight tackles and one interception. Geno Atkins led the defensive effort for Cincinnati, recording three tackles and one sack.
As a slim one-point underdog, the Bengals look to upset the Ravens. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at 44 points.
The Ravens have performed below expectations so far this year. It’s still early, but a 0-2 record Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) could be improved.
As for their opponent, the Bengals are a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS so far this season. Cincinnati’s game plan focuses on running the football, averaging 33.5 rushing attempts per game. Moving on to the Cincinnati defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. Cincinnati, allowing 8.0 yards per pass, has a good chance of shutting down its competitor’s passing game. Avoiding turnovers will be essential for the Ravens against the Bengals defense, which ranks third in the league in turnovers with 2.5 per game. The first quarter is key for the quick-starting Bengals, who average seven points in the first 15 minutes. The Bengals should not have difficulty keeping Baltimore’s offense off the field. This season, the Ravens have had an average time of possession of 27:35 per game, ranking 26th in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cin, ATS Winner – Cin, O/U – Under
Notes
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
Baltimore is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 games at home.
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati.
Baltimore is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore’s last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
Baltimore is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
Cincinnati is 2-0 SU when leading after three quarters this year.
According to overall NFL pass rankings, Cincinnati is rated higher on both sides of the ball. Its 15th-ranked offensive passing game will face the 18th-ranked pass defense of Baltimore, while its seventh-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 14th-ranked aerial attack of the Ravens.
Cincinnati has allowed 16.0 points per contest this year, which is ranked only 27th in the league. Baltimore has scored 23.0 points per game this year and is ranked 16th overall.
