The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens have been battling for supremacy over the AFC North for years, but things haven’t looked good on both sides of that rivalry. The Ravens are the favorites to win it this season with a record at 9-4, while 1st place Cincinnati has lost its last four games in ugly fashion. Each team still needs one more victory to clinch their respective division so they’ll meet again on Sunday Night Football in Week 17.
The “ravens nfl” is a rivalry that has been ignited by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple. The Ravens and the Bengals will face off in a must-win showdown in the AFC North this weekend.
In Week 16, the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will compete for the AFC North title. The first meeting between the two teams ended in a Cincinnati victory, but the rematch might be even more exciting. Bengals cornerback Eli Apple fueled the flames by saying some harsh things about Lamar Jackson and his teammates.
Expect another dramatic chapter in this developing rivalry as first place in the division is on the line.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were singled out by Eli Apple.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Eli Apple in action against the Detroit Lions | Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images ; Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson reacts during a game against the Denver Broncos | Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
When the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens clashed in Week 7, the Bengals dominated the Ravens. The final score of 41-17 reflected the fact that the game was never in question.
Despite having struck first, the Bengals look to be raring to get their hands on the Ravens once again. Eli Apple, a cornerback, fired a warning shot at quarterback Lamar Jackson.
On Twitter, Apple’s mother said that she needed another intercepted ball from her son. “Lamar is going to be gracious next week,” the Bengals cornerback said.
The Ravens’ sixth-year defensive back also turned to Twitter to poke the bear and warn fans about what’s in store for Week 16.
“I’m really looking forward to the Ravens game,” Apple remarked. “Last time, their supporters were talking about all that nonsense. For them, it’s a lot of smoke.”
It’s odd to witness Eli Apple, of all people, trash speak. In the NFL, he’s never been a really good cornerback. He isn’t having a poor statistical season, but he isn’t a game-changer either. Pro Football Focus has given the Ohio State product a 59.7 rating for the 2021 season.
This game won’t need any bulletin board material for the Ravens.
The Bengals have an opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the AFC North.
The Bengals have all the momentum heading into this crucial matchup. Zac Taylor’s team is 8-6, however they now have the tiebreaker over the Ravens.
Cincinnati is coming off a nail-biting victory against the Denver Broncos on the road. Another huge advantage for the Bengals is that they are the healthier football team. The narrative of Baltimore’s season has been its injury history. For the most of 2021, Cincy has remained largely undamaged.
The Bengals are looking to win the AFC North for the first time since 2015. They will place themselves in the driver’s seat if they take care of business against the Ravens in Week 16.
So, how does Cincinnati go about completing the task?
They are, after all, following the same plan as in Round 1. The offense, which features Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, needs to include a healthy dosage of run and throw.
Joe Burrow must also let his feelings be known, since he and Ja’Marr Chase had a lot of fun at the initial encounter. He caught eight catches for 201 yards and a score as a rookie wideout. The Bengals must take advantage of Baltimore’s secondary, which is more injured than it has ever been.
Since the 2020 season, Cincinnati’s defense has improved, and it will need another good showing to beat the Ravens.
Baltimore is seeking vengeance in order to avoid missing the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens are unsure whether Lamar Jackson will be available for what is perhaps the most important game of the season. The former MVP has been dealing with an ankle issue and may not be ready to play yet.
If Jackson is unable to go, Eli Apple will have to focus on stopping Tyler Huntley. In Jackson’s absence, the Ravens’ backup quarterback put together a tremendous performance against the Green Bay Packers.
No matter who starts as quarterback, he’ll need some help to beat the Bengals. Baltimore now boasts the most injury-plagued team in the NFL, with more players being lost every week. The next-man-up strategy, on the other hand, has gotten John Harbaugh’s team this far.
Against the Packers, the offense had some beautiful moments. Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown must once again be significantly engaged.
With the Bengals’ dynamic offense, Wink Martindale’s defense will have its hands full. Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, and DeShon Elliott are all out for the season. Other defensive commanders, such as Patrick Queen, must, nevertheless, lead the charge.
The Ravens are battling for their postseason life after three consecutive defeats. Regardless of what Eli Apple or any other Cincy player thinks, Baltimore does not need any more motivation.
Another defeat would yank control from the Ravens’ grasp.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
4 Teams That Should Make a Trade for Ravens Backup QB Tyler Huntley is a writer and a musician.
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