With first place riding on this weekend’s game against the Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens can’t afford to let last week’s game against the Patriots blind them from focusing on their surprising divisional foe. Whether it is only week 5 or not makes no difference; The NFL doesn’t allow for many mistakes, regardless of the timing. The Ravens cannot afford to give up first place against Cincinnati.

Carson Palmer could be Baltimore's worst enemy this Sunday.

A rejuvenated Carson Palmer has led the Bengals to a 3-1 record, and their success has boosted them to the top of the AFC North. While they share that position with the Ravens, it can’t be expected that they are happy about splitting the bragging rights. Without the fluke pass completion that the Broncos pulled off in week one, the Bengals would be undefeated and the Ravens would be playing catchup.

Of course, some Baltimore fans would say that the team hit their own unlucky streak last week against New England. With a few questionable calls against the team, as well as a few plays that weren’t called, the Ravens saw their undefeated record slip between their fingers. But, to avoid beating a dead horse, let’s just leave it at this; The challenge stands now for the Ravens to get some separation from a team that, ultimately, holds the same record.

On paper, it seems as if the Ravens should be unstoppable. The passing game has gained the 6th most yardage per contest, gaining close to 280 yards each week, while the rushing game is even more dominant, ranking 3rd among teams in yards per game. In the Ravens’ three wins this season, the team has looked almost unbeatable. The games against San Diego and Kansas City were closer than expected, but, at the same time, the team wore a sense of confidence on their sleeve. Without the ability to remain calm, even under pressure, a team will falter.

It seems as if the biggest challenge that faces the Ravens is not allowing Cincy to make that one game-changing play that they have found so well in their first few games. While the Bengals stats are less than impressive, somehow they are putting up wins. Carson Palmer and the offense is only averaging 21 points per contest, a number that puts them in a notch right at the league average. However, the team is hanging on because the defense is playing stingy enough to pull out the victory. Whether it is a well-timed, well-bounced off a helmet play, or an overtime field goal against the worst team in the league, Cincinnati is getting it done when they need to.

The Ravens' offense can't let the crowd take them out of the game.

With the game this week in Baltimore, the Bengals will have to play a loud crowd as well as a winning team. No doubt, fans will be excited because, well, this is Baltimore, but also because of the detrimental value behind the outcome of this game. The Ravens had some trouble in Foxboro with the strength of the 12th man, and understand the importance of having the home crowd on their side. There is nothing worse than a loud crowd for a visiting team, and if the Ravens can use it to their advantage, then they should have a better chance of walking out the winner.

The Ravens will have to keep an eye on Chad Ochocinco (typing his name still feels ridiculous), as he has been known to have some success against Baltimore’s defense in the past. While he has faded over the past year, there is nothing more dangerous then a surprise Palmer to Ochocinco attack. As long as Domonique Foxworth doesn’t get lazy with the Bengals’ number one receiver, then there is not much else that the Cincinnati offense can offer up.

Sunday will provide a chance to see how good the Bengals are, but more importantly, how well the Ravens face adversity against a team that they are competing with directly. While the AFC picture will shape up based on the game against New England, the immediate effect of a win against Cincinnati will be a huge plus in team morale, as well as a way to move past last week’s loss. Expect both of these teams to come out with high hopes, but I have to think that the Ravens will force the Bengals to show their true colors and get the victory.

Prediction:

Ravens 30, Bengals 14

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