BENGALS COME BACK TO TOP RAVENS

Carson Palmer came up big when it mattered most, and the Cincinnati Bengals were the beneficiaries.  Down by four points late in their game against the Baltimore Ravens, Palmer hit Andre Caldwell on a 20 yard touchdown pass to cap an 80 yard final minute drive as the Bengals won the game by a final score of 17-14.  The Bengals improved to 4-1 on the NFL season and took over sole possession of first place in the AFC North.  After starting the season 3-0, the Ravens have now lost two straight.

NFL betting devotees who backed the Bengals as +9 road underdogs no doubt enjoyed the game as the ATS outcome was never really in doubt.  Baltimore never led by more than four points, and dropped to 3-2 against the spread with the setback.  The Bengals, likewise, are 3-2 against the money on the season.  All five of Cincinnati’s 2009 NFL games have been decided by 7 points or fewer.  The 31 combined points went UNDER the posted total of 42.  Both teams have gone OVER in three of their five games this season.

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis praised his team’s mental toughness in his postgame interview:

"They believe they can win, no matter what the circumstances are. We keep talking about that. Don't worry about it, don't flinch, keep playing."

Receiver Chad Ochocinco wasn’t completely satisfied with the play of his offense, but content with the victory:

"We weren't as sound as we should have been. Offensively, and as a whole, we had a couple of turnovers. But we were able to find some breaks and make our way. We were able to capitalize on the last drive."

Baltimore was undermined by penalties, being flagged 10 times for 76 yards.  Afterwards, however, they were hesitant to blame the officiating for the defeat.  Ravens’ tackle Kelly Gregg noted:

"Some tough calls. But you can't leave it in their hands.”

Defensive end Trevor Price sounded a similar theme:

"I'm not going there with you. I don't do the referee thing. If you dominate, the calls don't matter."

Ditto defensive back Frank Walker:

"The officials, they're just calling the game. These games are close because we let them be close."

The final score was the only place the game was close—the Bengals dominated the rest of the offensive statistics holding lopsided edges in first downs (22 to 12) and time of possession (34:19 to 25:41).  Cincinnati produced 403 yards of total offense to 257 for the Ravens, and held Baltimore to a mere 87 yards rushing.

The Bengals will now enjoy three straight home games, starting with a Sunday visit from the Houston Texans.  Cincinnati is a -4’ home favorite with the total set at 45.  The Chicago Bears will provide the opposition a week later and after a bye week they’ll face the Ravens in a home field rematch.  Baltimore will hit the road to take on the Minnesota Vikings, installed as +2’ road underdogs.  The total in that game has been set at 43’.  The Ravens will take the next weekend off and return to action on November 1 at home against the Denver Broncos.