The AFC North division has been as marketed in the course of the 2023 NFL season, with all 4 groups within the division trying like playoff groups and a few them doubtlessly being Tremendous Bowl title contenders.
One crew that actually must maintain its foot on the gasoline pedal shifting ahead is the Cincinnati Bengals, with the crew beginning off sluggish this yr because of Joe Burrow’s calf harm however lately approaching robust as of late with 4 straight wins in an effort to enhance their document to 5-3.
Sadly, with the AFC North being as aggressive as it’s this yr, the Bengals can’t afford to make errors from right here on out, and this week will check their resolve as they’ll face the upstart Houston Texans led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud this Sunday adopted by a extremely anticipated showdown with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
Nick Wright of FOX Sports activities believes that the matchup with the Ravens on Thursday is arguably an important of the season to this point, as it would assist decide whether or not Cincinnati wins the division, through “First Issues First.”
Any probability the Texans upset the Bengals?
“The Bengals solely probability of profitable the division is thrashing the Ravens on Thursday. I do know the Bengals need to go 2-0 within the subsequent week, but when they must go 1-1 it is approach higher for them to beat Baltimore than Houston.”
— @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/crRmHgdCrl
— First Issues First (@FTFonFS1) November 10, 2023
Though the showdown with the Ravens is looming, the Bengals shouldn’t overlook this recreation with the Texans, as Houston has the aptitude to beat any crew on any given evening if all the things goes proper and Stroud is on his recreation.
Cincinnati will likely be coping with some expensive accidents this weekend, specifically Tee Higgins being dominated out with a hamstring problem and Ja’Marr Chase coping with a again harm that has him listed as questionable.
Fortuitously, Burrow appears to be like like Burrow once more, which implies they may be advantageous with what they’ve acquired, however it will likely be an fascinating two video games in a brief period of time for the shorthanded Bengals.
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