Ravens Favored By 8 At Home Against Cincinnati

NFL News - October 6th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Baltimore Ravens will play host to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a battle for first place in the AFC North. Baltimore is coming off of a 27-21 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, their first loss of the season. Cincinnati had to go into overtime to get past the winless Cleveland Browns 23-20. They can not afford to play like they did against Cleveland if they expect to come out with a win against the Ravens. Both teams are 3-1 and Cincinnati has not lost since their opener against Denver.

The Ravens' offense has been clicking on all cylinders this year and is ranked in the top 5 of each of the offensive categories in the NFL. They are third in both points per game (31) and yards per game (413.5). Joe Flacco has been spectacular on offense and has passed for 1,103 yards and 8 touchdowns. Their rushing attack has been great and is averaging 146 yards per game which ranks 5th in the league. Ray Rice and Willis McGahee have combined for 496 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. Flacco has a slew of talented receivers, with 5 having caught for more that 100 yards. Derrick Mason leads this outstanding group with 284 yards and 2 touchdowns. As expected, their defensive unit has been solid. They have collected 10 takeaways this season, 6 interceptions and 4 fumbles. Cincinnati will have a hard time running the football as the Ravens are allowing only 59.5 yards per game which is 1st in the NFL.

Since their season opening loss, the Bengals have played consistent football over the course of their past three games. One interesting fact regarding the Bengals is that they are not timid when it comes to offensive fourth down situations. They have converted an astounding 7 of 8 fourth down conversions this year. Carson Palmer has led the Bengals offense this year and has passed for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns. He does, however, have 5 interceptions on the year. Cedric Benson has been the only real producer on the ground for the Bengals. He has rushed for 367 yards and 2 touchdowns. The outspoken receiver, Chad Ochocinco, has led the Bengals in receiving so far this year. He has 258 yards and 3 touchdowns, but Andre Caldwell has produced as well with 145 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Baltimore Ravens will be favored by 8 points at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday according to Betus Sportsbook. The over/under for this game is set at 41 1/2. The Bengals are 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore. The Ravens are 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home and 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.

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