The 3-2 Baltimore Ravens host the 0-5 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. It’s a huge game for the Ravens, who are looking to boost their standing in the AFC North. While the oddsmakers are predicting a massive victory for Baltimore, not all of the writers here at Ravens Wire are of the same mindset. But one thing we all agree upon is a Baltimore victory this week.
Check out what each of the writers thinks will happen in the Ravens vs. Bengals, Week 6 battle.
Matthew Stevens:
Ravens 31 – Bengals 10
Look, there’s a reason Cincinnati is winless right now and that’s because they have a lack of talent in a number of key units. With injuries to their two biggest playmakers in wide receivers A.J. Green and John Ross, things have only gotten worse for the Bengals. While the Ravens are far from perfect, their strengths play right into Cincinnati’s weaknesses and Baltimore’s weaknesses are where the Bengals are the most beat up.
It could end up being a far closer game simply because it’s an AFC North matchup but the disparity in talent should have the Ravens win big.
Kevin Oestreicher:
Ravens 30 – Bengals 14
I expect this to be a bounce-back performance of sorts for this Ravens team. Baltimore has been a bit underwhelming over the past three weeks, but with the Bengals struggling and having so many injuries I expect the Ravens to come out strong. The Ravens’ run game should have a field day against a Cincinnati run defense that’s currently giving up 5.0 yards-per-carry. I also expect Baltimore’s pass rush to finally dominate against a battered offensive line.
Alex Bente:
Ravens 27 – Bengals 17
I don’t expect this one to be the blowout everyone is predicting, simply because the Ravens haven’t been capable of blowing out anyone, save for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
Look for a heavy dose of the run game to control the clock, but as the Bengals shift their focus and sell out to stop the ground attack, plays downfield may start to open up allowing Lamar Jackson to air it out. I doubt this matchup will ever fall out of the Ravens’ control, but expect a few key mistakes here and there to keep it closer than anyone wearing purple would prefer.
Neil Dutton:
Ravens 28 – Bengals 13
The Bengals run defense is . . . shall we say . . . weak. This should mean that the Ravens are able to control the game and the clock. It won’t be flashy, but on the back of strong games from Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards, the Ravens will take this one rather comfortably.
