NFL Picks: Week 2 Bengals vs Ravens

NFL
September 13, 2023

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Week 2 promises a highly anticipated clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, two teams that have historically given fans some of the most thrilling moments in the AFC North. As both teams enter the game with different Week 1 outcomes, the stakes are higher than ever, with momentum, pride, and early-season positioning on the line.

 

BUSR NFL Lines

 

Spread: Ravens +3.5 (-110), Bengals -3.5 (-110) 

Moneyline: Ravens +145, Bengals -178

Total: O 46.5 (-110), U 46.5 (-110) 

 

NFL Match Bengals vs RavensRavens Started the Right Way 

The Ravens soared into the season on a high note, securing a convincing 25-9 victory over the Texans. With Lamar Jackson at the helm, the team showcased a balanced attack. Jackson, with his dual-threat capability, completed 17 out of 22 passes for 169 yards, and although he did not connect for any touchdowns and threw an interception, he led his team in rushing with 38 yards. Zay Flowers emerged as Jackson’s go-to receiver, registering 78 yards from 9 receptions. The defensive side of the ball was equally impressive. Roquan Smith’s outstanding performance marked him with a total of 16 tackles, and he was among five players, including Patrick Queen, Ar’Darius Washington, David Ojabo, and Justin Madubuike, to record a sack. Yet, their secondary left room for improvement, with no interceptions during the game.

 

Bengals Flunked against the Browns 

Conversely, the Bengals experienced a rough start, suffering a substantial 24-3 loss against the Browns. Joe Burrow, the team’s shining hope, found himself in murky waters, completing only 14 out of 31 passes for a mere 82 yards. However, Joe Mixon provided some respite with his 56 rushing yards. The young wideout, Ja’Marr Chase, stood out among the receivers, catching 5 passes for 39 yards. Defensively, Germaine Pratt led the team with 11 combined tackles and added a sack to his tally. B.J. Hill and Trey Hendrickson joined him in the sack column, while Daxton Hill recorded the sole interception for the Bengals.

 

Prediction

Interestingly, despite the contrasting Week 1 performances, the BUSR NFL Odds have favored the Bengals by 3.5 points. This might raise eyebrows, especially given the Bengals’ weak offensive display in their opener. However, context matters. The Bengals are playing their first home game, and historically, they have performed well against the Ravens. The disappointment from their week 1 performance will undoubtedly serve as motivation. The Ravens, despite their victory, showcased vulnerabilities against the Texans, a team considered to be one of the weaker sides this season. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s about proving a point. Hence, betting on the Bengals to cover the spread might just be a worthy risk.

 

Injury Report

For the Ravens, concerns have arisen with the status of Ronnie Stanley, the team’s premier offensive tackle, who is currently day-to-day due to a knee injury. Similarly, tight end Mark Andrews is recovering from a quadricep issue, while safety Marcus Williams remains uncertain with a shoulder injury. The team has been dealt severe blows with J.K. Dobbins out for the season, D. Williams expected to return only by mid-October, and several others, including M. Hamm, K. Mitchell, M. Humphrey, T. Bowser, T. Mullen, and A. Vorhees, sidelined indefinitely with various injuries.

The Bengals have their share of injury woes too. Joseph Ossai is day-to-day with an ankle injury, a concern for their defensive line. Marvell Tell III and Tuli Pesefea are on injured reserve due to concussion and elbow issues respectively. Their offensive line depth takes a hit with L. Collins and D. Cochran out indefinitely, and D. Maxwell’s absence on the defensive line further complicates matters.