The Baltimore Ravens (3-1) are facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) at home this week.  The Ravens are upset they are not undefeated, as a pair of controversial penalties cost them the game against the New England Patriots last week.  The Ravens are eager to bounce back and I think they will not have a problem with the Cincinnati Bengals, even though they have the same record.  The Ravens defense is too strong for the Bengals.

The Bengals will be looking to establish Cedric Benson and the running game, as he is averaging 4.4 yards per carry.  The Ravens are only giving up 59 rushing yards per game, so I think they will be able to shut down Benson and the Bengals’ running game.  That means Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer will have to throw the ball more, and the Ravens are great at pressuring quarterbacks.  Palmer has a big arm and has led the Bengals to two late game victories, but he has not been very consistent this year and will force things at times.  The Ravens could get themselves some points from the defense, as they are great at forcing turnovers.  The Ravens offense should not have too much of a problem with the Bengals D.  The Bengals give up 103 rushing yards per game, so Ray Rice and Willis McGahee will be able to get a lot of yards on the ground. The two running backs have combined for six touchdowns and 496 yards on 86 carries (5.8 avg). Joe Flacco has also been playing well for the Ravens offense, as the quarterback has thrown eight touchdowns and 1,103 yards on 95/151 attempts (63%).  The Ravens are the much better football team and should not have a problem beating the Bengals.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Baltimore Ravens 31, Cincinnati Bengals 13