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Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens NFL Odds & Predictions

The 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals meet the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in a Week 5 AFC North showdown. The Bengals managed to find the win column for the third straight week, but it was not easy. Kicker Shayne Graham connected on a field goal as time expired in overtime to give the Bengals the 23-20 win over rival Cleveland. Baltimore will be out to avenge its first loss of the season, a 27-21 setback to New England. These division rivals last met in Week 13 last season with Baltimore blowing out Cincinnati 34-3. The Bengals have won six of the past nine meetings, but the Ravens hold the 15-11 lead in the all-time series. NFL lines makers have listed the Baltimore Ravens as 8.5-point favorites with the total set at 42.

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Dating back to last season, the Bengals have won six of their last seven regular season football games. If the winning continues this week, they’ll be sitting all alone atop the AFC North standings, a place they would already be had they not fallen victim to a fluke play against Denver in Week 1.

One would have to think, at first glance, that the Bengals are in good position to cover this week considering that they are getting 8.5 points and that all of their games have been decided in the final minute thus far. You also have to like Cincy’s chances when you consider how well Carson Palmer has been playing. And while Baltimore always seems to boast one of the best defenses in the league, Palmer’s 2,235 career passing yards against the Ravens are the most he has against any opponent. I also have to say that I have been impressed by Chad Ochocinco this season. He has been more about winning and less about himself. He was a nightmare last season when he let his contract dispute serve as a major distraction, but thus far in 2009 he has been a good teammate and a good football player. It is worth noting that the Bengals are 4-0 against the number in their last four games as an underdog. If you like this trend to continue, bet the Bengals at +8.5 at BetUS.

Okay, the Ravens defense is good, but it hasn’t been Rex Ryan calling the shots good. The Ravens were basically neck and neck with the Steelers for the best defense in football last year, but they currently rank eighth in 2009 and are allowing 20 points per game. We could see one of Baltimore’s best defensive efforts of the season this week though, as it will be out for revenge following a loss. Carson Palmer will certainly have to know where safety Ed Reed is at all times. Since 2002, Reed leads the NFL with 44 interceptions.

The offense has outshined the defense in 2009, ranking third in the NFL, behind the constantly improving Joe Flacco. He’s going for his third straight 300-yard passing game at home this week and he’ll likely need a big day through the air for the Ravens to cover this number. It is worth noting that the Bengals are just 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 meetings in Baltimore. If you like Baltimore to win big in this revenge spot, bet the Ravens at -8.5 at BetUS.

Take the books to school this Sunday with Jimmy Boyd’s NFL expert picks!

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