NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens 1 PM CBS

Jul 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: This is a match-up where both teams feel as though they have something to prove. The Bengals still have not won that playoff game under head coach Marvin Lewis and the Ravens had a mediocre title defense putting up an 8-8 season in 2013.

Why Baltimore will win: Yes he’s won a Super Bowl, but to me Joe Flacco is nowhere near elite. He selfishly took a six-year contract worth $120.6 million. Last year he proved why he was not worth it. Instead of trying to make the most money possible, Flacco should have tried to build a stronger team around him by taking less money or a shorter contract. Flacco got what he wanted, but the Ravens had to release a variety of pieces to make this happen and it hurt them. This season, Flacco has another chance to prove himself. He needs to become a leader once again. The Ravens return tight end Dennis Pitta from injury and brought in Steve Smith [12,197 receiving yards with the Carolina Panthers] which should make things easier for him.

Why Cincinnati will win: Andy Dalton is this year’s Joe Flacco in that he received a six year contract extension that could be worth as much as $115 million. This time it’s Bengals who overpaid on a good quarterback, but one who has not won a playoff game. Last season [4,293 yards and 33 touchdowns] was his best and he is familiar with his receivers, it just comes down to if he can continue to execute.

Final score: Bengals 27 Ravens 24