Three thoughts and a prediction for week 5

CINCINNATI – The Bengals host the Ravens in their first AFC North game of the season on Sunday.

Here are three thoughts on the matchup and a prediction:

Offense wins championships

Getting off to a quick start to ensure they don't suffer a large deficit is crucial to their success this week. The Cowboys and Bills have each put themselves in bad situations over the last two weeks.

Of course the defense has to show up… But if the Bengals want to win on Sunday, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and this offense have to pick up where they left off after 67 points (33 and 34). or) in the last two weeks.

This Ravens offense has gotten a lot of attention, but they have a really talented defense. A big factor in this game will be how the Bengals' offense handles Baltimore's pass rush.

Lamar Jackson + Derrick Henry Cheat Code

When you put the reigning MVP and Henry in the same backfield, the Ravens offense looks very Madden-esque so far this season. Henry has scored five rushing touchdowns this season and has rushed for at least 84 yards in each of the last three games.

The Bengals need to find a way to get Henry to move laterally. When it's going downhill, it's almost impossible to stop. He has rushed for 350 yards and three scores in the last two games, including an 87-yard touchdown run last week.

The Bengals need to slow Henry down or else Jackson can lean on his star running back and that could open up play opportunities all over the field.

If they somehow slow down Henry and limit the number of splash plays Jackson produces, they might be able to hold Baltimore to three points in the red zone instead of seven – which would be a win in most scenarios – especially if the offense is up to its game keeps the end of the deal.

Sales

The Bengals will have to force some turnovers on Sunday. They didn't act against the commanders and patriots and it cost them. You were in Carolina last week and what happened? It helped them progress early in the game.

No one expects this defense to be the Steel Curtain on Sunday. The Ravens have had one of the most potent rushing attacks in NFL history over the last four weeks.

The only thing they need to do is produce some splash plays. They need interceptions, fumbles, key sacks and tackles for losses. If they can make a few big plays like this, it could make the difference in a crucial AFC North game.

forecast

Burrow said he had to play “close to perfect.” I think he delivers. The Bengals often score early and narrowly beat the Ravens.

Final score: 34-30

For more thoughts on the game, check out the video below and Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

Make sure you Bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals newsexclusive interviews, film breakdowns and much more!

—–

Join the 47,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like our Facebook page

Follow on TikTok