The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in a Wild Card Weekend matchup. Both teams have been able to steal a game of the other during the regular season, and now will have the opportunity to knock their division rival out of the playoffs with a win.
There are plenty of storylines to go around in this game, including the fact that Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is out with a knee injury he suffered in Week 13 as well as how physical the game will be. Week 18 had plenty of chippy play throughout, while more of the same could happen in the Wild Card round.
Below we look at six bold predictions for the Ravens’ Wild Card matchup with the Bengals.
QB Tyler Huntley, Anthony Brown combine for 250+ yards, two passing touchdowns
It’s been reported that both Huntley and Brown could get playing time on Sunday in Cincinnati with Lamar Jackson out. Both have something to prove, and could do it on the biggest stage against the Bengals.
– Kevin Oestreicher
RBs J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards dominate with massive workload
Turnovers were a major factor in the Ravens’ Week 18 loss at Cincinnati, so expect a heavy dose of running backs J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards. If the team can control the clock and keep Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow off the field, it gives the Ravens the best chance to win this game.
– Steve Rudden
TE Mark Andrews has 100+ yards, two touchdowns
Andrews was rested in Week 18 against the Bengals, and returns this week for the Wild Card matchup. He is one of the best (if not the best) at his position in the league, and could dominate against Baltimore’s division rival
– Kevin Oestreicher
DL Calais Campbell makes impact, picks up sack
Campbell adds another sack to his total, although it won’t count towards his quest for 100. Any pressure that Baltimore can get on Joe Burrow will be big, and if Campbell can contribute to it he can continue to show why he’s still one of the best at his position even in his 15th season.
– Steve Rudden
S Kyle Hamilton has two turnovers, sack
Hamilton has been a big factor on Baltimore’s defense over the course of the year. He forces two turnovers in the contest, while also picking up a sack to show that he was well worth the investment at No. 14 overall
– Kevin Oestreicher
ILB Roquan Smith continues monster tear
With a new contract and all, inside linebacker Roquan Smith balls out for the second straight week against the Cincinnati Bengals. He racks up 12 tackles, has a sack, and two tackles for loss. He sets the tone and makes it hard for the Bengals to get their running game going.
– Steve Rudden
