Game of the Week: Bengals, Joe Burrow Aim to Topple Jackson-less Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens will again be without quarterback Lamar Jackson, which was a major factor in the matchup preview for our Roundtable NFL Game of the Week as they face off with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here's what Bengals Roundtable publisher Joey Linn and Ravens Roundtable publisher James Brizuela had to say about the big AFC East slugfest.

Bengals RTB: This is Cincinnati’s chance to show what it gained from the bye week. The Bengals are 3–2 and already 0–1 in the AFC North. It’s still October, but a win in Baltimore would go a long way in a tight division race.

Ravens RTB: It has to be whether or not quarterback Lamar Jackson will play. He is currently questionable and has stated that he is “trending in the right direction.” Should Jackson not be able to play, Tyler Huntley will be taking over yet again.

Bengals RTB: Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. against former Bengal Trey Hendrickson is the matchup of the game. Hendrickson remains one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers and keeping him away from Joe Burrow is essential if Cincinnati wants to challenge Baltimore downfield.

Ravens RTB: It has to be the Ravens' secondary vs. the Bengals' wide receivers. The issue that Baltimore has had is over-the-middle and yards-after-catch throws from quarterbacks. Kyle Hamilton may be asked to monitor that aspect of the field, but Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey must also stop the catching prowess of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Bengals RTB: Tight end Erick All Jr. could become a bigger part of the offense with Tanner Hudson out for the season. His blocking matters against Baltimore’s run defense, but he could also give Burrow an additional receiving option when the Ravens focus on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Ravens RTB: Definitely cornerback Nate Wiggins. He is currently only surrendering a 51.7% completion rate and a 65.7 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. He has been a massively important lockdown cornerback. His true test will come on Sunday against arguably the best wide-receiver tandem in the league.

Bengals RTB: Cincinnati has had trouble defending runs toward the edges, allowing an average of 155 rushing yards over its last three games. That is a dangerous weakness against Derrick Henry and either of Baltimore’s mobile quarterbacks, so the Bengals have to tackle well before runners reach the open field.

Ravens RTB: As stated previously, it's the over-the-middle throws. The Ravens have given up so many third-down completions to tight ends and quick hitters that are 10 yards and under from the line of scrimmage. The defense has got to stop teams from converting first downs.

Bengals RTB: Bengals 27, Ravens 24

Ravens RTB: Ravens 28 - Bengals 24 (if Jackson would have been avialable)