6 realistic expectations for Bengals vs. Ravens in week 16

The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens face off in what has become a de facto playoff game with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season.

The Bengals are currently leading the AFC North and would be the fourth seed if the regular season ended today. Based on where this franchise has been, most would consider that a huge success. However, getting this close to ultimately not making the playoffs would be a huge blow to this team. And in order to make the postseason, another win against the Ravens is necessary.

While there are still chances Cincinnati could make the playoffs with a loss this week, the easiest path is beating a Baltimore team that has a banged-up quarterback and off three straight losses by a combined four points. If there is a season that the Bengals can sweep the Birds to win the division, 2021 is it.

The last time these two teams met, the Bengals announced that they were playoff contenders with a 41-17 dismantling of the Ravens. Both teams have had their ups and downs since then, which is why this will be the biggest game of the season for both teams.

The winner takes the driver’s seat to win the division while the loser will have to claw the final two weeks to try and make the wildcard. While I do not expect the score to be quite as lopsided as last time, here are six realistix expectations for the Bengals when they take on the Ravens.