NFL
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals Preview
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018
Time: 8:20 pm Eastern Time
Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Team Records:
Baltimore Ravens 1-0-0
Cincinnati Bengals 1-0-0
We’re onto Cincinnati—for an action-packed division match-up. The AFC North is up for grabs as the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. Both teams showcased great things in Week 1 victories; so how will this match-up shake out?
UP NEXT: @Ravens vs. @Bengals!
Thursday 8:20pm ET… ONLY on @nflnetwork! #TNF #BALvsCIN pic.twitter.com/XypmV4pQmJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2018
Baltimore held Buffalo to a mere 153 total yards in a crushing Week 1 victory over the Bills. Cincinnati Bengals tailback Joe Mixon had 149 yards from scrimmage along with a touchdown—even prompting star wideout A.J. Green to suggest that Mixon is on par with backs such as Todd Gurley and Leveon Bell:
“You mention him with Le’Veon or Gurley, He’s there with those guys.”
Baltimore exploded offensively, with each free agency wideout signing scoring a TD in its 47-3 victory. Clayton Fejedelem, the man who replaced the ejected Shawn Williams, iced the game with the pick-six that led to the Bengals 34-23 win. Worthy of note that the following players such as Preston Brown, Kenneth Dixon, Willie Henry, Hayden Hurst, and Maurice Canady are likely to be out for this week. The Cincinnati Bengals are a slight favorite going into the grudge match.
Ravens are currently a one-point underdog for Thursday's game at the Bengals, according to the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 11, 2018
Pass Rush
The key to winning this game may, in fact, be the pass rush. Although it might not be apparent in the box score, Carlos Dunlap is as dominant as ever. After having a sack-fumble called back, Dunlap showed persistence and sacked Luck once again just two plays later. Geno Atkins also secured himself a sack in Week 1. Bengals DC Teryl Austin is going to need both of these veterans to perform on Thursday.
The Baltimore defense, on the other hand, had 6 sacks against the Bills in Week 1. With Buffalo playing from behind from the start, the Ravens pass rushers were able to pin their ears back and make Buffalo’s QB’s uncomfortable all day. However, Cincinnati will surely have a more balanced attack on Thursday, giving this Baltimore defense a challenge.
The Ravens defense had a 13% third-down conversion rate in Week 1 (second-best in the NFL). The Bengals defense was 65% (worst in the league). This game, like many others, could be won/lost on third down.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) September 11, 2018
Offensive Weapons
Both Baltimore and Cincinnati have showcased restructured offenses in week 1. Bengals RB Joe Mixon has showcased himself as a special player. 2017 first-rounder John Ross scored his 1st career NFL TD. Lastly, A.J. Green continues to prove he is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, hauling in 6 of 8 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Baltimore showcased a balanced passing attack, with 7 players having 3 or more catches in week 1. Tailback Alex Collins is still looking for the explosive start to the 2018 season that he was hoping for. Both teams have a very tough task ahead of them in stopping one another.
Fantasy Implications
A name that has come up time and time again, Joe Mixon had an incredible week 1. Mixon has solidified himself as an RB1 in PPR and standard scoring leagues and is a must-start for most teams. Other must-starts include A.J. Green and the Baltimore Ravens Defense/Special Teams. Players such as Alex Collins and Tyler Eifert had underwhelming week 1 performances—however, both are high ceiling fantasy players worthy of a shot if needed.
Photo credit to Sam Greene via Flickr
