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5 Bold Predictions For Ravens vs. Bengals

5 Bold Predictions For Baltimore vs. Cincinnati

5 Bold Predictions For Baltimore vs. Cincinnati
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

An interesting battle takes place this Sunday, as the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens in a game to determine which team is really the king of the AFC North. The Ravens are rolling right now, winners of five of their last six. Cincinnati, meanwhile, just got blown out by the Indianapolis Colts, and hasn’t won since Week 3. It’ll certainly be a game worth watching, and here are five bold predictions to keep an eye out for.

1. A.J. Green’s Return Reignites the Bengals Offense

1. A.J. Green’s Return Reignites the Bengals Offense
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

1. A.J. Green’s Return Reignites the Bengals Offense

1. A.J. Green’s Return Reignites the Bengals Offense
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s tough to move the ball when you’re without one of the best receivers in the NFL, as Cincinnati showed last Sunday. But, with Green expected to return this week, look for the Bengals offense to pull a complete 180. The Ravens pass defense is among the bottom half of the league, which seems like a perfect setup for Green to go wild if he indeed hits the field.

2. The Ravens Running Game Will Keep Rolling

2. The Ravens Running Game Will Keep Rolling
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Ravens Running Game Will Keep Rolling

2. The Ravens Running Game Will Keep Rolling
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ray who? Baltimore lost its starting running back before the season started, but you’d never know with how they’ve been moving the ball on the ground. Justin Forsett has averaged 5.8 yards per carry this season, and has been a crucial cog of the Ravens’ running game. He goes up against a Bengals rush defense which is ranked 30th in yards per game. Look for Forsett to keep moving the ball at will.

3. Giovani Bernard Struggles to Get Going Again

3. Giovani Bernard Struggles to Get Going Again
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Giovani Bernard Struggles to Get Going Again

3. Giovani Bernard Struggles to Get Going Again
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bernard barely got a chance last Sunday, getting just seven carries for 17 yards. The Bengals took a ton of criticism for dumping the run early, so I’d expect them to try and reincorporate it this week. Problem is, they’re going up against a Ravens defense giving up just 87.4 yards per game on the ground. Whether Bernard gets a ton of carries or not, expect another week of tough sledding for the Bengals back.

4. Steve Smith Returns to the End Zone

4. Steve Smith Returns to the End Zone
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Steve Smith Returns to the End Zone

4. Steve Smith Returns to the End Zone
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Since going off against his former team in Week 4, Smith has only one touchdown. I think this changes come Sunday, especially against a Bengals pass defense ranked 26th in yards per game. Held in check for just 67 yards on three catches against the Atlanta Falcons last week, expect Smith to come into this Sunday with a little attitude. And, as we saw against the Carolina Panthers, an angry Smith is quite a nightmare to deal with.

5. Cincinnati Surprises with a Victory

5. Cincinnati Surprises with a Victory
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cincinnati Surprises with a Victory

5. Cincinnati Surprises with a Victory
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals sure don’t look like a team who can derail the Ravens right now, but I still think they end up prevailing. They’re a much better team than what they’ve been showing lately, and they already took care of the Ravens once this season. With the home crowd behind them and a possible return of their best offensive weapon, expect Cincinnati to come out on top Sunday.

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