Baltimore Ravens Schedule: Second Half Breakdown
By Joe Serpico
Week 17: Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is congratulated after his touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 3, 1:00 p.m. EST
The Bengals are currently undefeated and have virtually locked up the division already at the midway point of the season. What could be at stake is their position in the playoffs as they might need this game to secure home field advantage or a bye in the first round of the playoffs. This is another case where the Ravens can put a damper on one of their rival’s seasons.
The only way Baltimore can hurt the Bengals is if they stop letting A.J. Green hurt them. Green had 10 catches for 227 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the comeback win in Week 3, including the game-winning score with 2:10 remaining to give Cincy a 28-24 win. The Ravens were able to battle back from an early 14-0 deficit to take a 24-21 lead late in the game until Green beat them once again.
The Bengals are playing some of the best football out there right now and have a very balanced team. Expecting to go in The Jungle and get a win is a tough task, especially if the Bengals have something to play for and the Ravens are just trying to close out the season. This will likely be the end of the Ravens tumultuous season, and then they can start to focus on how they will make this team better for the 2016 season.