The Cincinnati Bengals finally pulled off a win in Week 4, but they can’t be too happy about it, as they are still in the bottom of the standings in the AFC North. But they can turn more heads if they can shock the world with a win over the Baltimore Ravens on the road.
Joe Burrow is going places, but for now, he’ll have to continue incubating in a bad Bengals team. That being said, Burrow became the first rookie quarterback to amass at least 300 passing yards three games in a row, when he threw for 300 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 25-of-36 completions in the Bengals’ 33-25 home win in Week 4. The Bengals are far from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but a win can do wonders for a team that’s previously been winless, especially when the next game is against a real Super Bowl threat like the Ravens. But don’t lose focus on running back Joe Mixon, who’s been a fantastic weapon for Burrow even in passing plays. Mixon had two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score in the win over the Jaguars. The Bengals are tough against the run, but not so much against the pass, so Burrow and the pass-heavy Cincy offense (third in the NFL with a 64.86 pass play percentage) could have fun on the air this coming weekend.
The Bengals are 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last three games.
After getting served with their first loss of the season by the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Ravens rebounded by downing the Washington Football Team on the road last Sunday, 31-17. Lamar Jackson threw only 21 passes for 193 yards and a pair of touchdowns with an interception. He also gashed Washington’s defense for 53 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Jackson and the Ravens’ run-heavy attack should find even more space to run in the next game, as the Bengals’ defense is among the worst in stopping ground attacks. In fact, the Bengals are 27th in the NFL with 158.5 rushing yards. The Ravens will have to pressure Burrow in the pocket and force the Bengals to run more, and that seems to something to be expected as Burrow is the second-most sacked in the NFL, so far this season. Burrow has taken 15 sacks, one fewer than NFL leader Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans.
