NFL Divisional round scenario if the Cincinnati Bengals lose to the Baltimore Ravens
AFC North hostilities will be renewed between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens when they square off on Sunday Night Football. After good seasons, the two teams meet in a win-or-go-home game.
The Bengals will be hoping to go one better than last year, when they made it to the Super Bowl before falling to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. The Ravens, without Lamar Jackson, have struggled mightily and found it hard to put up points.
In the final regular-season game, the Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-16 and a similar result for Joe Burrow and company would go down a treat.
Who are the current Super Bowl favorites?
The Bengals are overwhelming favorites for this one. They have a 12-4 record, whereas Baltimore sit at 10-7. Many expect Burrow to have his way with what is normally a stout Ravens defense.
But what if he doesn't?
Tale of the NFL Wild Card tape: The Cincinnati Bengals vs. the Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals are currently on an eight-game winning streak and are one of the hottest teams in the league (behind San Francisco). Playing at home, many expect the Bengals to put up points and advance to the next round.
Not having Lamar Jackson is a huge blow for the Ravens. Had the star quarterback been playing, this game would have a vastly different feel.
In his five games this season, Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley hasn't thrown for over 200 yards. He will no doubt have to if Baltimore are to have any chance tonight.
Who will the Baltimore Ravens play if they beat the Cincinnati Bengals?
As we have seen so far in the playoffs, upsets can and will happen, regardless of whether teams get out to a big lead. So it wouldn't exactly shock us if Baltimore take down the Bengals.
But what happens if they do? There are a few scenarios available.
The first is that Baltimore will take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead, as long as Miami doesn't upset the Buffalo Bills. If Miami does, then Jacksonville will be Baltimore's opponents.
"This is a good spot for the Ravens"
—@chadmillman and @ColinCowherd like the Ravens plus the points vs. the Bengals https://t.co/9PbUiWIGfr
If the Bills manage to secure a win, then Baltimore will head to Jacksonville to take on Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars.