FIRST AND 10: Ten Predictions About Tonight’s Game
1. Ray Rice will get his 20 touches.
Much has been made of the Ravens’ new-look, hurry-up offense. But this offense still revolves around Ray Rice, and he will get his hands on the ball, either as a rusher or as a receiver. Over the past two years (including playoffs), the Ravens are 21-2 when Rice has at least 20 touches, 5-8 when he does not.
2. Joe Flacco will complete at least 60 percent of his passes.
Flacco is coming off his worst season in terms of accuracy, with a completion percentage of .576. But he was on target against the Bengals last year, completing 32 of 46 passes (.696) with three touchdowns and one interception. And he has looked in command all summer long in his best training camp to date.
3. Torrey Smith will have a catch of longer than 25 yards.
The Ravens expect to get back tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta after both missed most of training camp with injuries. Their effectiveness remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt about Smith. The Bengals’ cover-2 defense is designed to thwart the big play, but with Anquan Boldin and Jacoby Jones on the field in three-wide sets, Smith will find an opening.
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