Ravens vs. Bengals: Three reasons for Baltimore to be optimistic in Week 15

The playoffs don’t officially start until January 10, but every game from here on out for the Ravens will have postseason implications as they try to chase down the Steelers in the AFC North. Baltimore travels to Cincinnati to battle the embattled Bengals (4-9) at Paycor Stadium (1 p.m. kickoff). This AFC North clash will be cold, and it’ll feature two teams that remain in playoff contention, with Baltimore sitting one game behind 7-6 Pittsburgh, who defeated the Ravens, 27-22, last Sunday. Cincinnati is coming off a 39-34 loss at Buffalo.

The postseason script is real, with the Ravens set to play three of their final four regular-season games on the road: at Cincinnati, vs. New England, at Green Bay, and at Pittsburgh.

Tee Higgins is out

In fairness, Higgins missed the first matchup, but Zach Orr has to have a scheme set up to limit Ja’Marr Chase, who has dominated the Ravens.

Joe Burrow isn’t having fun

“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this,” Burrow said. “I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? That is the mindset I am trying to bring to the table.” Those were Burrow’s words following a recent practice. No, he’s not retiring or requesting a trade, but Sunday offers another opportunity for Baltimore to make Burrow feel even worse.

Ravens control their own destiny

The Ravens face the Bengals, Patriots, Packers, and Steelers down the stretch. They likely need to win out, definitely need to defeat the Steelers, and can not afford a loss to Cincinnati.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as Ravens battle Bengals in Week 15

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