AFC North: Week 13 expected to showcase defining moments of 2018 season

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on November 30, 2018

There are just five weeks remaining in the 2018 NFL regular season. We know, we feel the same way (*sniff*). This has been an unpredictable season across the league in many ways and the teams in the AFC North have continued to keep fans intrigued as well. In Week 13, the Baltimore Ravens will face a struggling Atlanta Falcons team, the Cleveland Browns will battle with the Houston Texans, the Cincinnati Bengals will go head-to-head with a Denver Broncos team that handed the Pittsburgh Steelers a loss last week, and the Steelers will see a surging Los Angeles Chargers team. Week 13 is expected to showcase some of the best contests of the season, so sit back and enjoy the show.

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Ravens need win over Falcons on the road to be legitimate contenders

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco returned to practice on Thursday, but after winning back-to-back games as the starter over the last two weeks of November, rookie Lamar Jackson looks to be the starter on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. Jackson has been asked to do a lot in a short time, and the fact that the Ravens coaching staff didn’t find a way to keep the young gun from having to use the ground game could be a concern. On the other hand, with two wins under his belt and having given Baltimore new life, Jackson could very well have his best showing in his third start and solidify his spot on the roster moving forward.

The biggest question will be how durable Jackson can prove to be after having to handle the ball-carrying duties on 26 plays in his first game; 11 carries in his second. Once Jackson escapes the pocket, he has speed, but he also opens himself up. Exposure in the open field for a quarterback can be disastrous. While a QB is much more protected in the pocket thanks to new rules in 2018 that keep defenders in their heads trying to limit penalty flags when it comes to playing aggressively, he doesn’t get the same protection downfield.

Looking lifeless a few weeks ago, the Ravens are re-energized by the play of Jackson and rookie running back Gus Edwards. The big question is how the duo can carry the entire offense should Jackson continue to struggle to get the passing game started. If the Ravens can’t create something more than the run against the Falcons, the game could be a long one.

That elevates the need for the Ravens defense to shut down 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan. The Falcons haven’t looked like a championship-caliber team as of late, but Ryan is savvy at breaking down opposing defenses. Baltimore’s defense, especially its secondary, has been give-and-take. The Ravens are 0-4 when they’ve allowed opponents to score 21+ points, so it’s imperative that the defense play at their highest level on Sunday.

The Ravens are 1-6 in December over the past three years when they’ve been on the road. Three of their remaining five games will be on the road. If they hope to have a post-season spot, they’ll need to get past the Falcons with a win and prepare to beat the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.

Game Info
Date: Sunday, Dec. 02, 2018
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
TV: CBS
Radio: 98 Rock | WBAL 1090 AM (Baltimore Market)

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Can Browns, Mayfield keep the magic on road against Texans?

It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns finally look to have secured a quarterback that can earn them wins in the NFL. Since Gregg Williams and Freddie Kitchens took over, Baker Mayfield has completed 74 percent of his passing attempts with nine touchdowns to one interception for a rating of 129.5.

But… and there is always a but… In the Browns’ past three games, they played defenses that were ranked in the bottom of the NFL, especially against the pass. The Texans aren’t in that category. Houston has a top-10 defense and will give Cleveland’s offensive line fits with trying to match up. The Texans will also attempt to disrupt any rhythm Mayfield can develop.

The Browns go where Mayfield goes, making this matchup a defining moment for a growing Browns team.

Game Info
Date: Sunday, Dec. 02, 2018
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Location: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
TV: CBS
Radio: ESPN 850 • 92.3 The Fan • 98.5 WNCX (Cleveland Market)

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Bengals have tough challenge in stopping free-fall against Broncos

Times are tough for Cincinnati. Having lost five of their last six games, including getting blown out in the first half by the Browns in Week 12, the Bengals free-fall into irrelevance during the 2018 NFL season may or may not end this weekend against a Broncos team that has shocked several potential Super Bowl contending teams, including the Steelers last weekend.

When asked about the next five games, running back Joe Mixon told the media this week, “You’re going to know who is going to let up and (who will) go play 100 percent. You’re going to know who’s shutting it down. At the end of the day, it’s how bad do you want it? Either go out and give it 100 or stay home. Don’t show up.”

Game Info
Date: Sunday, Dec. 02, 2018
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Location: Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
TV: CBS
Radio: 700WLW • ESPN 1530 • 102.7 WEBN

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Roethlisberger vs. Rivers: Two veterans look to lead teams to win

On Sunday night, at Heinz Field, the Steelers will play host to the Chargers in a game that has big AFC playoff implications. Anticipated to be a close, competitive game, the team with the fewest mistakes and who takes advantage of even the smallest of opportunities is likely to exit the winner. Yes, it’s going to be that tight.

Enter Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers. Two veteran quarterbacks who have given some outrageous performances in 2018. Two guys who were drafted in the Class of 2004. Sunday will pit their football IQ against each other and their teams in what could be one of the most hotly-contested games of the season for these two teams.

Rivers on the Steelers defense: “It’s an attacking group. Saying that from a pressure standpoint. They bring some pressure, bring more than four a lot. But just in general, they just fly around and play like you’ve seen Pittsburgh play for many years… Will be a heck of a challenge.”

Coach Anthony Lynn on Roethlisberger: “He can make all the throws, he’s very accurate. He’s a scrambler. He made a lot of his plays off creating. We got to get him down. We got to get pressure on him first. The offensive line is doing a heck of a job. But we got to get Ben down because he’s a strong guy. He can throw with five people hanging on him. He’s a Hall of Famer for a reason.”

Roethlisberger Press Conference

Tomlin Press Conference

Game Info
Date: Sunday, Dec. 02, 2018
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. (EST)
Location: Heinz Field
TV: CBS
Radio: SNR • WDVE 102.5 FM • WBGG 970 AM