Bold Predictions: Ravens vs. Bengals

In a do or die Week 11 matchup, the Ravens must find a way end their losing streak to stay in the wild card race. Below, the Baltimore Beatdown staff details predictions for how the game will play out.

Sage’s predictions:

Lamar Jackson will not throw a touchdown pass.

In his firs career start, the Ravens are going to be conservative in their play calling and try to minimize as many rookie mistakes as possible. Rather than looking for Jackson to connect with receivers in the end zone, Baltimore is going to lean on the running game rather than setting up Jackson for a potential swing play by throwing an interception.

The game will be decided by three points or less.

Both Baltimore and Cincinnati understand the implication of today’s game, and it is unlikely that either team is going to be blown out in a fight for their season. As familiar divisional opponents, this matchup is going to be grind, with the final outcome being decided after the two minute warning — likely on a last second field goal.

Vasilis’ predictions:

Lamar Jackson will produce more than 300 yards.

With Joe Flacco listed as doubtful, the offense will likely be handed over to the electrifying rookie. Jackson will have a plus matchup against a reeling Bengals defense that has allowed 500 yards in three straight games. Look for Lamar to burn their linebackers with his legs and connect with Hayden Hurst downfield repeatedly.

The Ravens defense will hold the Bengals out of the end zone.

Fresh off a bye, at home and against an offense that will probably be without A.J. Green, the NFL’s second ranked total defense will be playing for pride on Sunday. Coordinator Don Martindale will jam their receivers at the line, stack the box to stop Joe Mixon and find a way to generate more takeaways.

Dustin’s predictions:

Baltimore’s defense will generate at least three turnovers.

The lack of takeaways has been a major regression for the unit that led the league in turnovers a year ago. Creating more turnovers could push the Ravens defense to the very top and keep them there. With an extra week of rest and preparation, paired with the absence of A.J. Green, Baltimore’s defense will unleash hell on Cincinnati's offense.

The Ravens offense will eclipse 200 rushing yards.

With rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson predicted to start for the injured Flacco on Sunday, Baltimore’s lackluster run game could receive a substantial boost. With Jackson handing the ball off, the Ravens have experienced a tremendous improvement running the ball. Opposing defenses must account for Jackson’s game-changing speed as a runner, thus freeing up running backs.

Kyle A.’s prediction:

Alex Collins will rush for 100 yards against Cincinnati.

Collins hasn’t rushed for 100 yards in any game this season. With the return of left tackle Ronnie Stanley and having Orlando Brown Jr. back, it will give them a better push up front. With Flacco’s ailing hip, Baltimore will make it a priority to keep the ball on the ground. Keep this in mind — Collins rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 last season against the Bengals. Look for Baltimore to try to get him going again.