The Cincinnati Bengals play host to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football in week two of the NFL season. These two teams are fierce rivals who are trying to take control of the AFC North Division. Both teams missed out on the playoffs last year, but are both off to a 1-0 start this season.
Both the Bengals and Ravens looked explosive on offense in the season opener, but games on Thursday night are traditionally low-scoring and sloppy affairs. The Baltimore Ravens absolutely obliterated the Buffalo Bills in week one, winning by a score of 47-3. The Bengals were similarly impressive in their 34-23 over the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener. The Baltimore Ravens are a 1 point favorite at Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football.
Andy Dalton Shines In Week One
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton had a monster second half for the Bengals in week one. Dalton led the team on three scoring drives in the final 19 minutes of the game to slip past the Indianapolis Colts. For the game, Dalton completed 75% of his passes for 243 passing yards and two touchdowns. Dalton and the Bengals will face a much tougher defense in week two.
The Bengals defense was aggressive and on the attack in their game one victory over the Colts. Safety Shawn Williams was ejected for a hit on Andrew Luck, and Carlos Dunlap was flagged for a roughing the passing penalty in that game. Cincinnati will look to continue to put pressure on the quarterback in their game against the Ravens.
Ravens Defense Puts On Show In Opener
The Baltimore Ravens defense put on a terrific display in the debut of new defensive coordinator Don Martindale. The Ravens recorded six sacks and created two turnovers with an aggressive package of blitzes and coverages against the Bills. Baltimore allowed just 153 total yards and three points in season one, both were the lowest in the NFL during week one.
Joe Flacco led the Ravens offense to a solid debut as well in the season opener. Flacco was 25-34 for 236 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Rookie phenom Lamar Jackson got his first taste of NFL action against the Bills. Jackson had seven carries for 39 yards and also completed a 24-yard pass in the Ravens win. Look for him to have a bigger impact in the game against the Bengals.
Ravens Move to 2-0
The Cincinnati Bengals defense should play a role in this game, but they have to stop committing stupid penalties. The Bengals always teeter on the line between being aggressive and playing dirty, and dirty plays will cost them against the Ravens. Andy Dalton had a solid season opener, but has lacked consistency in recent years.
The Ravens looked impressive on both sides of the ball in week one, and that trend should continue in this game. Joe Flacco has talented players around him, and the offense should put up a bunch of points in this game. Look for the Ravens to move to 2-0 with a solid win over the Bengals. Bet on the Baltimore Ravens -1 over the Cincinnati Bengals.
