Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview – NFL Football

Two teams contrasting in terms of playoff security are going to duke it out at Paul Brown Stadium in the last week of the NFL’s regular season. The Ravens’ hopes of entering the playoffs are precariously hanging in the balance, while the Bengals are safely in the postseason, but are also interested in finishing the regular season with an immaculate home slate.

NFL Football Betting Preview for Ravens vs. Bengals in Week 17

Game Details:

When: 1:00 PM ET, December 29, 2013 [sc:NFL240banner ]

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Odds:

*As of December 27, 2013.

Money: Ravens (+6.5) vs. Bengals (-6.5)

Spread: Ravens (+230) vs. Bengals (-270)

Totals: 44.0

| Baltimore Ravens | Cincinnati Bengals
SU/ATS | 8-6/7-7 | 9-5/8-5-1
O-U | 5-8-1 | 8-6
Last Game | vs. New England Patriots (L 41-17) | vs. Minnesota Vikings (L 42-14)
Player to Watch | QB Joe Flacco (3,460 Passing Yards and 18 TDs on the season) | QB Andy Dalton (Passed for 366 yards and 4 TDs vs. Vikings)

Betting on the Baltimore Ravens:

The Ravens had all the momentum entering the game against New England in Week 16. They were riding a four-game winning streak and saw their lead in the last AFC Wild Card berth race widen after Miami lost to the Bills earlier.

Momentum apparently could not help them as the Patriots blew them out, 41-17. The loss tied the Ravens anew with Miami, but in the process, lost them the tiebreaker advantage now owned by the Dolphins, who have gained it with a better conference winning percentage.

Still, the window of opportunity is there for the Ravens. They could claim the last AFC ticket to the playoffs if they win against Cincinnati next week and Miami loses to the New York Jets.

Obviously, the only thing Baltimore can control is their own game against the Bengals in the regular season’s last week. It should help the Ravens psychologically that they’ve already beaten Cincinnati, 20-17 in Week 10.

Also, the Bengals are securely in the playoffs no matter what happens in Week 17, which means that Baltimore has more at stake. The Ravens are 3-1 ATS in their last four road games.

Bet now on the Baltimore Ravens.

Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals:

A playoff spot is once again in the bag of the Bengals. For the third straight season, Andy Dalton and crew are postseason-bound after paying no respect to the visiting Vikings. They beat them, 42-14, and were further helped by Miami’s loss earlier to the Bills. [sc:NFL240banner ]

Against Minnesota, the Vikings could do nothing to prevent Dalton from setting off the fireworks. The third-year QB passed 27-of-38 for 366 yards and a season-high four touchdowns without an interception. But just like in most of their other wins, the Bengals’ defense did its homework versus the Vikings, who they limited to 209 total yards and forced into four turnovers.

With the win, the Bengals preserved their clean record at home. And despite being assured the division title and a playoff berth, look for them to still play for keeps as they can close the regular season undefeated at home next week against Baltimore. Cincinnati is 7-0 SU at home this season. Furthermore, the team is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four home games against the Ravens.

Bet now on the Cincinnati Bengals
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