It's not as if the Baltimore Ravens are ignored. But they're not exactly high profile despite a five-game winning streak that will allow them to clinch the AFC North title if they win in Cincinnati Thursday night.
That's another of those NFL Network games that a lot of people will miss because the NFL and some major cable systems continue to argue over programming tiers and the arcanities of the TV world.
One thing is certain in this season of rampant mediocrity: The Ravens belong in the NFL's top tier.
Nonetheless, the Bengals are favoured by three points based on the home field and the fact they seem to have turned things around after losing five of six in mid-season. Since then, they've won two road games _ in New Orleans (relatively impressive) and Cleveland (ho hum.) Still, they trail the Ravens by three games and lost in Baltimore, so a loss here and that's it _ four games out with four games to go and a tiebreaker against them.
The Bengals looked surprisingly like the Ravens on Sunday, beating the Browns 30-0 in Cleveland, their first shutout in 17 years.
``We didn't do anything special,'' Cincinnati linebacker Landon Johnson said. ``We just played as a team.''
Even with Steve McNair at quarterback, Baltimore tends to be cautious on offence, allowing a defence that had nine sacks against the Steelers last week to get turnovers and field position. Led by Bart Scott as much as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, it's beginning to play as it did in 2000, the season the Ravens won the Super Bowl.
The Bengals imploded during that 26-20 loss in Baltimore, a game in which the offence continually demonstrated its frustration, notably a helmet-throwing tantrum by T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Cincinnati is has more at stake _ the Bengals are chasing a wild card, the Ravens will win the division regardless. On that basis ...
BENGALS, 17-13.
Dallas (minus 3{) at New York Giants
Giants are at a low point, Cowboys at a high point. But the NFC is too bizarre, so ...
GIANTS 36-22.
Seattle (plus 3{) at Denver (Sunday night)
Remember that Jay Cutler is a raw rookie, not a guy like Tony Romo or Philip Rivers, who sat and watched for a couple of years.
SEAHAWKS, 16-12.
Jacksonville (plus 1{) at Miami
Miami is making its annual ``too late'' charge. The Jaguars are 1-4 on the road.
DOLPHINS, 20-16.
Indianapolis (minus 7) at Tennessee
A potential division clincher for the Colts, who beat the Titans 14-13 at home.
COLTS, 14-13.
Minnesota (plus 9) at Chicago
A potential division clincher for the Bears, who beat the Vikings by three points on the road. Easier this time.
BEARS, 21-2.
San Diego (minus 6) at Buffalo
The Chargers had some trouble with the Raiders. Careful if the weather turns nasty.
CHARGERS, 20-17.
Carolina (minus 3) at Philadelphia (Monday night)
Look for ESPN to use its lengthy booth time for a McNabb-T.O. debate.
PANTHERS, 24-20.
San Francisco (plus 7) at New Orleans
The 49ers are better. Just not in the Superdome.
SAINTS, 31-16.
Tampa Bay (plus 7{) at Pittsburgh
The Steelers have SOME pride left.
STEELERS, 24-10.
Atlanta (plus 2) at Washington
Jason Campbell's arrival turned into a win last week because the Redskins finally decided to play defence.
REDSKINS 16-13.
Kansas City (minus 5) at Cleveland
Herm Edwards' teams usually close well.
CHIEFS, 20-10.
New York Jets (minus 2) at Green Bay
The Jets are a middling team. Like everyone else.
PACKERS, 23-21.
Detroit (plus 13) at New England
The Lions HAVE to clean out the front office. Don't they?
PATRIOTS, 31-10.
Houston (plus 3) at Oakland
The Raiders have been competitive since Aaron Brooks returned.
RAIDERS, 13-12.
Arizona (plus 6{) at St. Louis
The Rams can beat weak teams.
RAMS, 24-13.
LAST WEEK: 11-4-1 (spread) 13-3 (straight up)
SEASON 74-94-8 (spread); 109-67 (straight up)
