The Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals meet Sunday in NFL action from Paul Brown Stadium. Baltimore enters this one after an opener matchup versus the Texans. The Ravens ended up winning by 16 points. As for Cincinnati, they took on the Browns in their first game of the year. The Bengals would go on to fall in a blowout. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens managed to go 1-2 over the exhibition schedule this year. First was a 20-19 win over the Eagles, then a 29-28 loss to the Commanders. Game three was a 26-20 loss to the Buccaneers. In their Week 1 opener versus the Texans, Baltimore held a slim one-point lead going into the second half. The Ravens scored 15 unanswered points in the third however, and ended up winning 25-9.

In the opener matchup, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson threw for 169 yards and a pick, also leading the rushing attack with six carries for 38 yards. Zay Flowers was the top team receiver with nine catches for 78 yards, and Justice Hill notched a pair of rushing touchdowns among his eight carries. 

Baltimore Ravens Team Facts

The Ravens have won six of their last seven games as underdogs following a home win.
The Ravens have covered the spread in 13 of their last 14 Sunday games as underdogs.
The favorites have won the first half in each of the Ravens’ last six Week 2 games.
The Ravens have won the first quarter in each of their last seven September road games against AFC opponents.
The Ravens have scored the first touchdown in 15 of their last 19 Sunday games.

Cincinnati Bengals 

Over on the Bengals’ side, they went 0-2-1 in their three preseason games. Cincinnati lost 36-19 to the Packers and 21-19 to the Commanders sandwiched around a 13-13 tie with the Falcons. Matched up against the Browns in the opener, the Bengals had a very rough day. Cincinnati held strong in the first half, but then gave up double-digit points in the second and fourth quarters during a 24-3 loss. 

In Week 1’s defeat, the Bengals got just 82 yards on 14-of-31 passing from Joe Burrow. Joe Mixon was tops on the ground with 13 carries for 56 yards, while Ja’Marr Chase topped the receivers on 39 yards from five catches. Mixon added three catches for 17 yards as well. 

Cincinnati Bengals Team Facts

The Bengals have won each of their last seven games at Paycor Stadium against teams that held a winning record.
The Bengals have covered the spread in each of their last four home games following a Division loss.
The Bengals have won the first quarter in each of their last five games at Paycor Stadium against teams that held a winning record.
The Bengals have scored the first touchdown in each of their last seven home games.
The Bengals have lost the first half in each of their last four Week 2 games.

Matchup/League Facts

The Bengals ranked 1st in the AFC North for points scored per game last season (26.1)
The Bengals ranked 1st in the AFC North for average point differential last season (+6.0)
The Ravens ranked 1st in the AFC North for points allowed per game last season (18.5)
The Ravens ranked 1st in the AFC North for total yards allowed per game last season (324.3)

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stay with the Ravens here. Baltimore’s offense wasn’t exactly explosive in Week 1, and they played a very sloppy game. The Ravens posted just 18 first downs with two turnovers and a whopping 13 penalties for 106 yards. That said, there were some bright spots in the game, such as the offense’s 8-of-15 on third-down conversions and the defense only allowing 3.7 yards per play. 

As for the Bengals, there’s not much to be happy about from the Week 1 loss. Cincinnati generated just 142 total yards (67 passing), six first downs, 2.6 yards per play and went just 2-of-15 on third-down tries. I expect the Bengals to take a step forward in Week 2 (they can’t get much worse) during a Ravens win/cover.