Week 16 AFC North Preview and Predictions
By Mel Payne
Oct 21, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) runs during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
The second half record is in Cincinnati’s favor. They have won five of their last six games, while the Steelers have mishandled four of their last five. Let’s face it, though, the Bengals have dropped easier games with more on the line. They are also facing the Pittsburgh Steelers; a team that Andy Dalton has yet to taste victory over.
This will be the turning point for the young quarterback, though. There is a lot on the line and Cincinnati knows that they have a lot to prove. Their defense has improved three-fold since the last meeting between these two teams and the Steelers have struggled on offense. Not to mention, the Bengals have been much improved in their ground game and the Steelers have struggled against the pass. I’m handing this showdown to the road team.
Final Score: Bengals 24, Steelers 13
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
The Browns have put up a good fight in recent weeks, pulling out wins in three of their previous four games. In fact, they even won three in a row before taking a loss to the Washington Redskins last week at home. Their defense has been playing well together and coming up with big plays, while Brandon Weeden seems to have found a groove on offense.
However, their matchup in Mile High Stadium may be their toughest matchup yet. Denver has been picking teams apart and has won nine straight, including a big one last week in Baltimore. Peyton Manning is like a mad scientist under center and he may prove to be too much for the Brownies.
Final Score: Broncos 28, Browns 10
New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens
The Giants have been inconsistent all season long, causing their 2012 campaign to be rollercoaster of highs and lows. Two weeks ago they picked up a win over New Orleans, scoring 52 points, and then followed that performance up with a goose egg against Atlanta who shut the Giants out 34-0.
Now the G-Men are headed to Baltimore to face off with the Ravens who have lost their last three and find themselves scraping to keep their division title hopes alive. Baltimore has fallen behind on offense and struggled with injuries on defense and will playing a desperate game on Sunday. Unfortunately, I don’t think desperation will be enough in this game.
Final Score: Giants 27, Ravens 24