The Ravens lost their first opportunity to establish themselves against an AFC North opponent. Their second chance comes Sunday, with the division already crowded and Cincinnati poised to make the race even tighter.
Baltimore hosts the Bengals after a 13-10 loss at Cleveland erased the Ravens’ outright division lead. The result left Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh at 4-2, with Cincinnati only a half-game behind at 3-2 following its bye. A victory would move the Ravens to 5-2 and give them their first division win. A loss would drop Baltimore to 4-3 and 0-2 in the AFC North, with Cincinnati moving ahead at 4-2.
That makes this a chance to improve Baltimore’s position, though reclaiming first place also depends on Cleveland’s and Pittsburgh’s results.
The largest question remains Lamar Jackson’s availability. Coach Jesse Minter said Monday that Jackson remained day-to-day with his ankle injury, leaving his return to practice and potential participation against Cincinnati unresolved. Jackson has missed the second half of the Tennessee game and the following two games against Atlanta and Cleveland.
Tyler Huntley helped Baltimore win in Atlanta, but the offense produced only 10 points against Cleveland. Whether Jackson returns or Huntley starts again, the Ravens need more consistent production after their opening possessions.
Center Cam Jurgens could provide another important addition. Minter indicated that Jurgens had progressed toward clearing concussion protocol, making it possible he makes his Baltimore debut against Cincinnati. His availability remains subject to clearance.
The Ravens still have time to build separation in the division. Beating Cincinnati would keep another rival from gaining an immediate advantage and keep Baltimore firmly in the mix at the top.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens face another AFC North test with little room for another loss