This would be the game to watch for me since the Patriots and Colts are playing on MNF. This game seems one-sided like last week but after watching what the Ravens did the the Steelers made the scales tip. The Ravens are favored 39% and are the underdogs in this game. Defense Against a passing offense like the Bengals this season, we might have to set the Nickel formation sometimes. But when we do, we have to try to stop them from throwing in Deion's direction. He isn't as fast as he used to but he can do things as well. And don't get too much space from Chad Johnson. We know what Chad can do so we are aware. After having an okay game with Al Harris and the Packers, he may be hoping to get more balls thrown in his direction. Also when the Bengals try to switch another direction and try to establish the running game, we may have to make Rudi run to the outside. Since Ed Reed and Ray Lewis is going to be out another game, the middle will be vulnerable to the rushing attack. It's something to think about in the third down situations. So we have to stuff the middle and try to stop them on short yardage situations and try to get sacks. Offense Anthony had a great game against the Steelers last week. It was because we did something we haven't done. That is doing play action on first down. Instead of setting up the run for the play action, the Ravens did the opposite. So Jamal had one of his better games but not what we all expected. And using the Bengals linebackers, we might have to use two tight ends set. That is to split them to take away some of the pass rushers like Landon Johnson and David Pollack. And if the linebackers get too aggressive in blitzing, we can throw a short pass to the running backs or tight ends and gain some yardage. And this is one of the best games for Jamal to have his first 100-yard game. Since the Bengals are 22nd rush defense in the league, we should avoid throwing the ball too often. We also need to be wary of Detha O'Neal, he is scary. Statistics Brian Billick is 9-3 against the Bengals. Anthony Wright completed 25 out of 44 passes last week against the Steelers. He also have 7 consecutive victories at home. Jamal Lewis is 20-6 when he rushes for 100+ yards.
Bengals will win. Though the Ravens did play well against the Steelers so if they show up like they did against Pitt it'll go either way.
