When the Cincinnati Bengals face off against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Cincinnati is already playing for any control of the AFC North. Were the season to end today, the 5-4 Bengals would be the AFC’s eightth seed, while the 7-3 Ravens are the AFC’s second seed. Baltimore already beat Cincinnati 27-24 in Week 2, and the Bengals currently have an 0-2 record in the division, so it’s fairly important for Zac Taylor’s team to get on the good foot here.
The primary matchups are fascinating. Joe Burrow versus Mike Macdonald’s shape-shifting Ravens defense, and Lamar Jackson against Lou Anarumo’s multiple coverages and looks? It’s all heaven for football dorks.
