RAVENS (8-7) VS. BENGALS (5-9-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, PAUL BROWN STADIUM, CINCINNATI uTV: CBS
Announcers: Carter Blackburn, Chris Simms
About the Ravens: The Ravens have to be crushed after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final 10 seconds and seeing their playoff hopes evaporate. The Ravens are a veteran team with high expectations and had legitimate reasons to believe their defense could carry them on a January run. But the Steelers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Ravens simply ran out of time after squandering too many scoring chances early in the game. An inconsistent offense has plagued the Ravens all season, though they have run the ball better in recent weeks with a 1-2 punch of
and QB has had a solid season and stayed healthy, and the team has to be pleased with the way WR and TE
bounced back from injury. The Ravens have missed injured CB and though tough decisions with an aging roster lie ahead, the Ravens are positioned well to again be real AFC contenders in 2017 and beyond.
About the Bengals: The Bengals should have beaten the playoff-bound Houston Texans on the road, but a 43-yard field goal attempt by new K sailed wide right as time expired. That basically summed up the season as the Bengals have almost always been close but have rarely been whole or consistent. There’s a talented core in place, but the futures of coach LT
G and several veteran players on defense are uncertain past this week. The Bengals are playing second-year OT in Whitworth’s usual spot at left tackle to get him work, and RB Rex Burkhead, WR Tyler
and WR Cody Core are getting what the team hopes will be valuable game experience. The Bengals have competed all season and probably won’t fold in the finale.
Even at 37, Smith shows up, no matter the circumstances or opponent. His ability to get open in tight spaces and chew up yardage after the catch has been key for the
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Ravens all season, and he’ll keep calling for the ball, regardless of whether he’s successful early in the game. He and Jones have had their share of battles over the years, and just in case Smith finally hangs up the cleats after the season, both will bring their best for this matchup.
The start of his season was delayed by an injury, and he needed time to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL and the Ravens offense. Dixon is powerful, shifty and is improving every week. The Ravens want to get him more touches.
Bengals WR leads the team with six receiving touchdowns. Even with and seeing their seasons shortened by injury, that’s impressive for a player in his first year with a new team.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Keep it simple: The Ravens statistically have one of the NFL’s best run defenses, but that play has dropped off in December. The Bengals need to establish the run and let their makeshift offensive line gain confidence.
2. Mix it up: The Ravens have been successful using two running backs, and with Flacco spreading the ball among multiple receivers. There’s no reason for that to change.
3. Fast start: The Bengals want to keep their crowd in the game and keep their young players out of bad early spots. They can create energy in the stadium and on their sideline with a good start, and maybe dynamic young KR can help with that. Zac Jackson