The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have developed a habit of turning their divisional matchups into high-scoring affairs. Sunday's meeting at M&T Bank Stadium may follow that same script. Hey, why not? Plenty is at stake for both teams.
Baltimore is looking to rebound, while Cincinnati gets back to work after a week off. Joe Burrow and companypose a dangerous challenge, especially on offense, that could force the Ravens to deliver their most complete performance of the season.
Predicting how this rivalry unfolds is never easy, especially with questions about Baltimore's quarterback situation and both teams' ability to produce explosive plays. Still, the matchup offers several opportunities for bold predictions, from a breakthrough Ravens
offensive performance to a defensive play that could change the outcome.
1. Ravens offense produces four explosive plays
If Baltimore wants to keep pace with Cincinnati, it may need to score in bunches. The Bengals have the offensive firepower to put pressure on opposing defenses, but the Ravens have enough talent to answer with explosive plays.
The bold prediction is that Baltimore produces four plays of at least 20 yards. Whether those gains come through the passing game, Derrick Henry breaking into the open field, or a well-timed play-action concept, the Ravens will find ways to punish Cincinnati when the defense overcommits.
Baltimore cannot afford to rely exclusively on long, methodical drives against a defense that has added significant strength up front. A handful of explosive gains could change the game's rhythm and help the Ravens put enough points on the board to secure a divisional win.
2. Nate Wiggins intercepts a pass intended for Ja'Marr Chase
Joe Burrow has plenty of confidence in his receivers, and Ja'Marr Chase is the type of target who can make a quarterback believe a contested throw is worth the risk. That confidence creates opportunities for opposing defensive backs who stay patient and finish plays.
Nate Wiggins has the chance to make one of those opportunities count. At some point, Burrow could test the matchup by targeting Chase against Wiggins, and the prediction is that the Baltimore cornerback comes away with an interception.
Burrow has thrown three interceptions in two games, so an interception isn't something to assume will happen. However, Baltimore has emphasized creating takeaways this week, and a contested throw toward Chase could give Wiggins the chance to deliver one of the defense's biggest plays.
3. Chase and Higgins both reach 100 receiving yards, but Cincinnati struggles to run
Containing Cincinnati's passing game is one of Baltimore's biggest challenges, particularly with Chase and Tee Higgins capable of producing significant yardage against quality coverage. The bold prediction is that both receivers surpass 100 receiving yards, forcing the Ravens to devote considerable attention to the passing attack.
That production, however, won't necessarily translate into a comfortable afternoon for Cincinnati. Baltimore can make the Bengals more one-dimensional by limiting their ground game and forcing them to rely heavily on Burrow's arm.
The prediction is that the Ravens hold Cincinnati to 75 rushing yards or fewer. If Baltimore can limit the ground attack while still finding ways to pressure Burrow, it could survive the receivers' big performances and keep the Bengals from establishing a balanced offensive rhythm.
4. Ravens commit more penalties but record more sacks
Discipline has been an issue for Baltimore at times, and penalties have also undermined the Bengals' progress in stretches. Sunday's matchup could feature its share of flags, particularly with both teams facing pressure to execute in a divisional game.
The bold prediction is that Baltimore finishes with more penalties than Cincinnati but also records more sacks. The Ravens have invested in their pass rush, and Trey Hendrickson's matchup against his former team adds another compelling element to the defensive front.
Hendrickson is the pick to record at least one sack against Burrow, but Baltimore will need more than an individual win off the edge. If the Ravens can coordinate their rush and make Burrow uncomfortable, they could create enough negative plays to offset the penalty disadvantage.
5. Ravens avenge last year's home loss with a seven-point victory
Baltimore's home meeting with Cincinnati last November didn't go as planned, and the Ravens will have a chance to respond in front of their home crowd. Coming off a frustrating loss to Cleveland, they have added motivation to deliver a more complete performance against a divisional opponent.
The prediction is that Baltimore wins by seven points, finding a way to finish the game more effectively than it did in its previous home meeting with the Bengals. The Ravens scored no points in the fourth quarter of that Thanksgiving matchup, but this time they come through with 10 points in the final period to seal the victory.
It won't necessarily be a clean performance. Cincinnati's passing game should create problems, and Baltimore may have to overcome its own mistakes. But if the Ravens generate explosive plays, get a timely takeaway, and finish their possessions, they can turn a difficult divisional matchup into a much-needed win. Prediction: Ravens 30, Bengals 23
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Bengals: 5 bold predictions for Sunday’s AFC North showdown
