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Bengals vs Ravens for Playoff Edition of SNF? Yes, Please!

One of the main reasons I’m a big fan of AFC North football is because of the level of competition that divisional rivals usually bring when facing each other. If you put the Bengals, Browns, Ravens, or Steelers against each other in any form, there’s always an added level of physicality and intensity that automatically make those games so much better.

With the Ravens losing three of their last four games against their AFC North foes, including the season finisher against the Bengals in Cincinnati, there will be no love lost between both squads as they square off once again on Sunday Night.

Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms-up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals - Kirk Irwin/Getty Images/AFP

But without Lamar Jackson leading the way for Baltimore’s offense, and with Joe Burrow playing his best football, which team has the best chance of moving on in the playoffs?

Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL predictions. We’ve plenty of NFL expert picks for you to consider.

Baltimore’s Defense Will Be Its Only Hope

The Ravens took a devastating blow once it was official that their starting QB and the biggest offensive weapon wouldn’t be able to play. Without Jackson, Baltimore’s offense is lackluster at best, no matter who plays at QB. This is why, just like on many other occasions, the Ravens will have to rely on their defense to achieve the win.

While trying to contain Burrow will be their main goal, if Baltimore can keep Cincinnati’s rushing attack under control, its job will be much easier. This is where this defense’s range and versatility while playing outside of the middle line will come in handy.

By attacking Burrow through his weak sides, Baltimore could lead Cincinnati’s passer do not have enough time to move in and out of his pocket, thus inducing him to turn the ball over. This in itself will be the other main key for Baltimore to try and stop one of the hottest offenses in the AFC.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the sideline
Lamar Jackson – Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFP

If Burrow Gets Protection and Time, There Will Be No Stopping the Bengals

If there’s one defense that knows how to get under Burrow’s skin it’s Baltimore’s. Both times the Bengals and Ravens squared off this season, the Ravens defense was able to give Burrow and Cincinnati’s defense a true run for their money. Coming into this game, where the stakes are at the highest they’ve been all season for both teams, Cincinnati’s offensive line will have to come through immensely for Burrow.

Burrow and the rest of Cincinnati’s offense did not play their best football when facing Baltimore’s defense. Even with Burrow tallying 35 TD passes, he only totaled two TDs against the defense he’s going to be facing.

Once Cincinnati gets control of the game, especially if it happens early, it will be much easier for the Bengals to stretch a lead. By doing so, and controlling the game clock on offense, it should be more than enough for the Bengals to cruise to a win, that could even end up being by double digits.

Will Cincinnati Cruise to Another Win over Baltimore?

If Jackson was playing, I would give the Ravens a bit more benefit of the doubt. Since he’s not playing, it’s hard to not see the Bengals as clear favorites to win and continue on their path to try and repeat as AFC champions.

Burrow, Chase, and the rest of Cincinnati’s offense will have a hard time trying to get through Baltimore’s defense. But at the end of the day, this Bengals playoff version is much more dangerous than the team the Ravens beat back in Week 5.

Having a home-field advantage here, and with the better overall team, take the Bengals to win and move on to the divisional rounds next week.

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