Ravens Bengals Week 10: Game Preview - A Battle for AFC North Supremacy
This Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals face off in a Week 10 matchup that's shaping up to be a real barn burner. It's not just a battle for AFC North bragging rights - this game could have huge implications for playoff seeding.
The Stakes Are High
The Bengals are rolling right now, winners of four straight and sitting pretty at 5-3. Joe Burrow is looking like the MVP frontrunner, throwing laser beams and making plays with his legs. The defense is playing lights out, limiting opponents to an average of just 18.5 points per game.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints, but they're still a formidable opponent. Lamar Jackson is a dynamic threat, and their defense is playing well enough to keep them in any game.
Keys to the Game
For the Ravens:
- Slow down Joe Burrow: Easier said than done, right? Burrow is on fire, and the Ravens defense needs to find a way to pressure him and disrupt his rhythm. They'll need to be super aggressive.
- Establish the run: The Ravens can't rely solely on Lamar Jackson's magic. They need to get their running game going early and often to take pressure off their quarterback and control the clock.
- Win the turnover battle: The Bengals are surprisingly good at forcing turnovers, so the Ravens need to be careful with the football.
For the Bengals:
- Keep Lamar Jackson contained: Jackson's ability to make plays with his legs is a nightmare for any defense. The Bengals need to limit his rushing yards and force him to beat them through the air.
- Protect Joe Burrow: The Bengals' offensive line needs to keep Burrow clean. The Ravens defense loves to create pressure, so the Bengals need to be able to hold up in the trenches.
- Make plays in the secondary: The Ravens have a talented receiving corps, so the Bengals secondary needs to be ready to make big plays and create turnovers.
Prediction
This game is going to be intense and tight, but I'm going with the Bengals. They're playing at a higher level right now, and Burrow is simply too hot to handle. Look for the Bengals to get a hard-fought victory at home and further solidify their position atop the AFC North.
Who are you picking? Let me know in the comments!