Bengals vs Ravens: One final thought

As the dust settles today and we see the playoff landscape for the Bengals, the team will have a 12-4 or 11-5 record. Both are outstanding. The 12 win season means the Bengals once again dominated the AFC North. Sure, Cincinnati NEEDS a playoff win and more to become a truly feared team. But, others in the division are taking notice.

Yes, the Baltimore Ravens have more playoff wins than any of their division rivals combined since 1996 with 15. Yes, the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012 and the Bengals haven't won a playoff game in 25 years. Yes, Joe Flacco has more playoff wins under his belt with 10, than the Bengals do in their entire franchise history with only five. But none of that matters because that's in the past.

I pulled the above from this post at Baltimore Beatdown. The Ravens have the success that the Bengals want, but from their side, they see that Cincinnati has been dominant for the last several years. I would like to keep that perception going.

Cincinnati has owned the Ravens recently and a 5-1 division record is a great thing. Will a win against Baltimore propel the Bengals into many post season wins and glory? No, probably not. But, it will further solidify the transformation of this team from a perpetual struggling franchise to one that has made the postseason six of the last seven years.

The best case for Cincinnati is to win it all. To get there though they need to win consistently. Beating the Ravens (again) keeps Cincy consistent and that reason alone is why they need to win today.

WhoDey!