Nov 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) pressured by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Prizes:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.

Top 5 Winners:

1. 911Kylem (358 points)
2. Madelyn Harris (350 points)
3. Rftr17 (350 points)
4. Rmorgan26 (350 points)
5. Sharper4334 (350 points)

Overview:

On Thursday, September 13^th, the (1-0) Baltimore Ravens will be on the road to take on the (1-0) Cincinnati Bengals.

 

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Ravens 25.3 – Bengals 21.5 with an over/under of 46.8.

2018-19 Statistics (32 total teams):

Yards per game:  Ravens 369.0 (11^th) > Bengals 330.0 (19^th)

Points per game: Ravens 47.0 (3^rd) > Bengals 34.0 (6^th)

Turnover margin: Ravens +1 > Bengals 0

Yards allowed per game: Ravens 153.0 (1^st) > Bengals 380.0 (24^th)

Points allowed per game: Ravens 3.0 (1^st) > Bengals 23.0 (16^th)

Summary:

The Ravens looked very impressive in their 47-3 thrashing of the Buffalo Bills in week one.  The Ravens outgained the Bills 369-153 in total yardage and dominated the time of possession.  Joe Flacco, finally healthy, completed 25-34 passes for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Baltimore totaled 117 yards rushing as both Alex Collins and Kenneth Dixon recorded a touchdown.  The Ravens defense held Nathan Peterman and Josh Allen to a combined 33% completion percentage and 70 total yards passing.  The stifling Baltimore defense held the Bills to 83 total rushing yards and they forced two turnovers.  The Ravens (+44) lead the league in point differential.

The Bengals were road victors 34-23 over the Indianapolis Colts in week one.  Cincinnati was outgained 380-330 in total yardage but two Colts turnovers proved to be very costly as they Bengals returned a fumble for a touchdown.  Andy Dalton completed 21-28 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.  Joe Mixon carried the ball 17 times for 95 yards (5.6 average) and a touchdown.  Receiver A.J. Green caught six passes for 92 yards and a score.  The Bengals defense held the Colts to 75 yards rushing and forced Andrew Luck to throw the ball 51 times in his first game back in over a year.  The Bengals (+11) rank 5^th in the NFL in point differential.

Bottom Line:

The Bengals have dominated this match-up winning eight of the last eleven head to head meetings.  Joe Flacco looked great in week one with his new weapons but albeit against a dreadful Bills team.  The Bengals are the more talented team on paper with their upgraded offensive line.  This should be a low-scoring, defensive minded battle and I give the slight edge to Cincinnati at home.

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