Ravens @ Bengals predictions.

**HoustonRaven** · 12-27-2012, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by edgecrusher

Resting starters is silly. The playoffs are all about momentum and getting and staying hot. Sleepwalking into the playoffs doesn't seem compatible with that reality and history has proven that out.

I don't think the resting will come as a tactic. Rather, it will be about necessity, especially on defense.

How effective can we be in the playoffs if our defense is the walking wounded? We saw what Denver did to us and we are going to see that same caliber of team in two weeks.

**JohnBKistler** · 12-27-2012, 07:41 AM

If good Tyrod shows up:
Ravens 20
Bengals 27

If bad Tyrod shows up:
Ravens 13
Bengals 38

Board implodes either way...moderators spend all Sunday night merging the "Fire Harbaugh" threads.

This is a meaningless game...

**Ngata Da Vida** · 12-27-2012, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by edgecrusher

Resting starters is silly. The playoffs are all about momentum and getting and staying hot. Sleepwalking into the playoffs doesn't seem compatible with that reality and history has proven that out.

I think who is or isn't rested needs to be looked at on a case by case basis. For example, Yanda should get healthy. But I agree that resting starters for the sake of just resting them isn't a good idea.

Ravens 20 Bengals 16

**wickedsolo** · 12-27-2012, 09:46 AM

Here is a question -

If the Ravens win, what does it get them in the playoffs?

Because I've read that it is likely that the Bengals will be coming to Baltimore regardless in the playoffs for the first game. If that is the case, and nothing is going to change that, why play your starters?

**NCRAVEN** · 12-27-2012, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Here is a question -

If the Ravens win, what does it get them in the playoffs?

Because I've read that it is likely that the Bengals will be coming to Baltimore regardless in the playoffs for the first game. If that is the case, and nothing is going to change that, why play your starters?

I think as of right now we get the Colts. The only way the Bengals come here is if we win AND New England loses given us the 3 seed.

**Boulderraven** · 12-27-2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Here is a question -

If the Ravens win, what does it get them in the playoffs?

Because I've read that it is likely that the Bengals will be coming to Baltimore regardless in the playoffs for the first game. If that is the case, and nothing is going to change that, why play your starters?

It's unlikely that the Bengals come to Baltimore, but possible if Ravens win and NE loses. NE I doubt loses,( but they might prefer being a 4 seed so they can play Houston in round 2 instead of Denver) it's being bantied around in Boston press. So, this possiblity gives more credence to the Raven game being nothing more than a backup bowl because of the chance both teams face each other the next week. To GET to the AFCCG I think it bodes better in this case to be the 4 seed than the 3 seed then play at Denver in round 2.

**4G63** · 12-27-2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by NCRAVEN

I think as of right now we get the Colts. The only way the Bengals come here is if we win AND New England loses given us the 3 seed.

Correct. While I don't think the Dolphins roll over I think you'll see the Pats pull away in the 2nd-half.

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-28-2012, 12:09 PM

This is truly a meaningless game for the Ravens, in fact you could argue (and some have) that they're better off with the 4 seed. The goal should be no injuries.

It's almost impossible to predict this game. I'll watch it and enjoy the entertainment but I won't get emotional about the outcome because it doesn't matter.

**Coastergenius** · 12-28-2012, 01:51 PM

I really hope that the Bengals aren't jackasses and treat this game like their Super Bowl. I'd like to rest most of our injured starters, but I don't want this to be an embarassing loss, and I don't want to see the starters that are out there getting their timing thrown off and being open to injury due to not being protected (and the fact that the Bengals play pretty dirty). The best case scenario is that both teams rest their injured players, nobody gets hurt, and the Ravens come out with a win. I'd be pretty pissed if our guys get hurt in this meaningless game, and I'd be pissed if the Bengals take this game seriously and embarass us with our scrubs playing.

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-28-2012, 05:26 PM

This is looking more and more like they'll rest as many as possible and play a vanilla gameplan.

Who’s Playing, Who’s Not at Bengals

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/...nshare:twitter via @Ravens

**CincyCat** · 12-28-2012, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Coastergenius

I really hope that the Bengals aren't jackasses and treat this game like their Super Bowl. I'd like to rest most of our injured starters, but I don't want this to be an embarassing loss, and I don't want to see the starters that are out there getting their timing thrown off and being open to injury due to not being protected (and the fact that the Bengals play pretty dirty). The best case scenario is that both teams rest their injured players, nobody gets hurt, and the Ravens come out with a win. I'd be pretty pissed if our guys get hurt in this meaningless game, and I'd be pissed if the Bengals take this game seriously and embarass us with our scrubs playing.

This was embarrassing: http://www.bengals.com/schedule/game/2012/regular1/

**PittRaven** · 12-28-2012, 07:47 PM

34-21

Ray has a field day

**esmd** · 12-28-2012, 07:53 PM

Ugh. Terribly difficult game to pick. I dunno what the line is, but IMO it's a pick 'em. So in that spirit, I'll say Ravens 24, Bengals 23. As someone else said, a homer pick. ;-)

**ed from Bel Air** · 12-28-2012, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by CincyCat

This was embarrassing: http://www.bengals.com/schedule/game/2012/regular1/

I think a lot has changed since that game. Cincy has improved throughout the season, we have been inconsistent. I do think Marvin wants to win, but not because of the blow out 3 1/2 months ago. I think it is important for the Cincy organization to show its fans that it can beat Pittsburgh and Baltimore back to back. It shows them they are on par with the two elite teams in the division, and I do think it is a sign of things to come.

Cincy has slowly but surely built a solid team. Sure they have some issues like all teams, but that is the way of the NFL given the salary cap era.

Going into next year I fear the Bengals more then the stealers.

**CincyCat** · 12-28-2012, 08:04 PM

Your comments make a lot of sense, Ed. I pretty much agree with everything you said.

Sanu was getting into a solid groove with Dalton and taking pressure off of AJ. Had he stayed healthy I would put the Bengals up against most teams. I can't wait for a healthy Sanu & AJ next year. Hopefully we can gut it out. Next man up...

**ed from Bel Air** · 12-28-2012, 08:09 PM

I get way too emotionally involved in these games. It will be great to watch a game at home and not sweat the outcome.

Ravens 24
Bengals 23

Homer pick.

Once the Playoffs start everyone on this board will become huge Cincy fans. It would be nice to have another AFC championship game in charm City. I was fortunate to be at the last one during the 1970 season. As a punk teenager I proudly threw snow balls at George Blanda back then.

**Boulderraven** · 12-28-2012, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

This is looking more and more like they'll rest as many as possible and play a vanilla gameplan.

Who’s Playing, Who’s Not at Bengals

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/...nshare:twitter via @Ravens

I agree. Plus, the weather is supposed to be like 20 degrees, dont need any pulled muscles and tweaks on a hard turf.

**CincyCat** · 12-28-2012, 08:20 PM

I want to thank the Cincinnati fans for selling out this game. It is somewhat meaningless, but it's "The Ravens".

I get to watch it on my big screen and not get pneumonia ( I have a cold from hell right now).

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-28-2012, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by ed from Bel Air

I get way too emotionally involved in these games. It will be great to watch a game and home and not sweat the outcome.

Ravens 24
Bengals 23

Homer pick.

Once the Playoffs start everyone on this board will become huge Cincy fans. It would be nice to have another AFC championship game in charm City. I was fortunate to be at the last one during the 1970 season. As a punk teenager I proudly threw snow balls at George Blanda back then.

That's awesome

**CincyCat** · 12-29-2012, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by ed from Bel Air

I get way too emotionally involved in these games. It will be great to watch a game at home and not sweat the outcome.

Ravens 24
Bengals 23

Homer pick.

Once the Playoffs start everyone on this board will become huge Cincy fans. It would be nice to have another AFC championship game in charm City. I was fortunate to be at the last one during the 1970 season. As a punk teenager I proudly threw snow balls at George Blanda back then.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs,_1970-71