The Bengals return from their bye-week after two consecutive catastrophic losses in which they scored a combined 80 points, but lost two late leads. Cincinnati’s defensive struggles have plagued the team for the majority of the season. The team received some very good news this week, that their star quarterback Joe Burrow will be returning from injury sooner than expected.
Joe Flacco, the Bengals’ quarterback, will continue to do his best Burrow impersonation under center in order to help the Bengals win a rebound game against the Steelers. Last month, the Bengals won by two points over the Steelers in a Thursday night upset. This victory started a streak of three weeks with 30+ point totals. To win on Sunday, they will need to repeat the feat.
In the last two weeks the Bengals have won by doing everything they can offensively, but the key will be running the ball well. Chase Brown, who rushed for a season high 108 yards in just 11 carries against the Steelers, added 31 yards to his total, with 4.4 yards rushing per carry.
It is hoped that the Bengals will use the bye-week to improve their defensive play and be better in this game. If they can force two or three turnovers and give their offensive unit an extra possession then that will go a long ways towards their winning chances.
The Steelers will be playing their third game at home in four weeks on Sunday, the first divisional match. Last Sunday, the Steelers were unable to build on their huge win over the Colts a week earlier. They lost 25-10 to the Chargers in primetime. The Steelers’ worst offensive performance this season was when they only gained 211 yards total and were 2-for-11 on 3rd down.
Steelers’ inconsistent play has led to them losing three of their last four games. This has reduced their lead in the division by one game. If the Steelers lose to the Bengals, it will hurt their divisional record and tiebreaker advantage. This is an important spot for the Steelers.
The Steelers’ defense has improved in the last two matches. The Steelers were able to limit Los Angeles’ first downs and yards per play even in Week 10. After recording six interceptions against the Colts the week before, they did not force any turnovers. The Steelers, in theory, should be able capture a turnover from the Bengals’ aggressive offense and Flacco.
Pittsburgh’s offensive rushing attack is also inconsistent. The Steelers have only had one rusher with 100 yards all season, and that was in Week 7. Their leading rusher is below 50 yards on four occasions this year. Both the Bengals’ run and their pass are vulnerable, which gives the Steelers a chance to make an offensive breakthrough.
Last week, the Ravens beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-19 on the road to move within one place of the division leader. They looked like they were doomed just a few short weeks ago. But a win against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday could bring them back to.500.
Baltimore’s good health is short-lived. They will now be without key players on both sides. Both wide receiver Rashod Batesman (ankle), and starting cornerback Marlon Huffrey (finger), were already ruled-out for Week 10. It’s more concerning that quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice due to knee pain, but returned on Thursday.
If Jackson plays, the Ravens will be in a good position to extend their winning streak against an ailing Browns squad. Cleveland’s talented defense, even though they beat them by 24 points in Week 2 is still a threat to a shaky offense and unit that lacks its No. The Browns are without their No. 2 wide receiver.
The Ravens cannot afford to ignore any opponent, especially since the Browns play in their division and a win would boost the Ravens’ divisional record from 0-2 to 2-0 for the year. Baltimore must focus on avoiding road mistakes, forcing turnovers and improving their offensive consistency.
The Browns wasted a great opportunity to win the game by losing by 10 points, despite being tied at 17-17 entering the fourth quarter. Cleveland won this game in almost every other way, except the scoreboard. They outgained New York Jets by yards (278 compared to 169), they had 11 more first-downs, they won the turnover war, and they possessed the football for nearly nine minutes more.
The Browns were able to hold the offense at bay by allowing only 54 yards in the air. The Browns, despite their statistical dominance this season, lost the situational fights and didn’t do enough to win.
In the rivalry, the Browns aren’t known for their past performance against the Ravens. However, they have won three of the last four home meetings. The Browns will use their home advantage to force the Ravens offense to make mistakes on Sunday and to make life difficult for Jackson.
In recent weeks, Baltimore’s defensive unit has improved by forcing more turnovers. Dillon Gabriel must continue to keep the ball away from danger in this matchup. Quinshon Judkins will almost certainly need to put on a strong performance to win.