Timothy Du, AFC North Analyst
 Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
Beating the Packers and the Steelers in consecutive weeks may be tied for the most impressive feat done by a team this season, matched only by the Jets' victories over Houston, New England, and Tennessee (I'm a Jets fan, how could I not mention that?).
The Bengals followed the commendable performance with a game against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, on the other hand, had come off two horrible games with 0 expectation (including from me). So how did the game against the rising Bengals and the lowly Browns reach overtime?
If the NFL has taught us one thing in the past, it is: underestimate your opponent and you're in for a surprise.
The Browns matched the Bengals in almost every statistical category, including third and fourth-down conversions. In the end, though, it was Carson Palmer and Marvin Lewis against Derek Anderson and Eric Mangini in overtime. Carson took over with an 11-yard 4th down conversion by using his legs, the last thing that the Browns would have expected. In the end, Shayne Graham barely missed a field goal in the final seconds of the overtime, but got the win.
Next week, the Bengals continue their tough schedule against the division rival Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens came off a tough loss to the Patriots, a game they played on the road against a top team in the league. While watching the game, I lost no confidence in the Ravens. They look good offensively and look very timely on defense. Their run defense continues to make its case for the best in the league, and still has not allowed a 100 yard game in more than a full season.
The Bengals will struggle running the ball against the Ravens, who have allowed only 59.5 rushing yards per game for 2.6 YPC. They will look to air it out against a struggling Ravens pass defense. Look for the veteran QB Carson Palmer to beat Ed Reed at least once and catch him gambling.
On defense, the Bengals will have to live up to their overall 10th ranked defensive squad. Their run defense allowed Jerome Harrison to rush for over 100 yards last game, and it will be tested even more against the Ravens with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee.
I think that the Bengals will put up a good fight in Baltimore, but only one team can go 4-1. I think the Ravens will.
Prediction: Bengals 23 - Ravens 32
Fantasy Insight: Carson Palmer has found another weapon in Andre Caldwell, but this insight is not about Caldwell. Palmer will be feasting on a few factors. For one, the Bengals will either be behind or in a close game, either way, the Ravens run defense will cause him to throw. The Ravens pass defense has also been weak. Look for a big game for Carson on Sunday.
Player of the Game: Carson Palmer 23-44, 230 yds 2 TDs, 1 INT
Not to man-crush on Palmer too much, but in an ugly game, his 4th down conversion in overtime was the difference.
Questions? Comments?
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