Bengals @ Ravens: Open Thread

Big game on tap in the AFC North today. The Baltimore Ravens will be hoping to break their five game losing streak to the Bengals when they take the field at 1pm ET. Oddsmakers have installed the Ravens as 3.5-point favorites, with the point total set at 40.5.

Several trends favor Baltimore in this matchup. Head coach John Harbaugh is 9-4 against the spread following a double digit defeat. The Ravens are 22-11 against the spread in November home games since 2000. And Flacco is 23-16 against the spread at home when the point spread is within a touchdown.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has had his issues against Marvin Lewis’ defense throughout his career. Flacco has tossed 15 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 15 career starts against Cincinnati. The Bengals will be missing Raven killer A.J. Green in Week 12, his absence bodes well for the Ravens pass defense.

This is a pivotal game for the Ravens. The home contest serves as a gut check for the players and coaches alike. Turning the tide against the Bengals was one of their biggest offseason priorities.

Taking care of business at home would put the Ravens back into the lead in the AFC North division, while also essentially ending the Bengals season by handing them their 7th loss of the season. A home loss however would guarantee the Ravens a tough uphill climb towards the playoffs considering their brutal December schedule.

Expect a vintage defensive performance from the Ravens defense in Week 12.