Ravens win important AFC North battle

BALTIMORE: 31

CINCINNATI: 24

The Baltimore Ravens found a recipe for success on Sunday in an action packed game at M&T Bank Stadium. 27 passes, 28 runs, and some turnovers on defense got the W over a more than capable Bengals team.

The Ravens were back home after a road loss to a below .500 team. A game that saw Joe Flacco throw a career high 52 times, while Ray Rice only had 5 touches on the ground. It was a disappointing loss with a pass/run ratio that many were just not happy with, including Ray Rice. The game plan this time around was balance and it proved the difference as Joe Flacco was able to make big plays down field with Torrey Smith and Ray Rice was successful on the ground.

The Bengals traveled to Baltimore after a 24-17 home loss to division rivals Pittsburgh Steelers, a team they play again in two weeks. Both games were lost by one score showing that this young team with rookie QB, Andy Dalton, are going to be challenging for the division throne sooner rather than later.

Ravens Stat Leaders:

Joe Flacco: 17 of 27 for 270 yards, 2 TD's and 1 INT.

Ray Rice: 104 yards on 20 attempts (5.2 ypc) with 2 TD's.

Torrey Smith: 6 catches for 165 yards with 1 TD.

Bengals Stat Leaders:

Andy Dalton: 24 of 45 for 373 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT's.

Cedric Benson: 41 yards on 15 attempts (2.7 ypc) with 1 TD.

Jerome Simpson: 8 catches for 152 yards.

Next game:

Bal (7-3) vs SF (9-1) (Thanksgiving)

Cinci (6-4) vs Cleveland (4-6)

~By Josh