AFC North contenders set for busy Week 13

Article by Gordon Dedman

Cincinnati Bengals (9-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-9)

The Browns backup quarterback Austin Davis, who led two impressive drives in the team’s loss to the Ravens last Monday, has been named as their starter for the Bengals game.

Davis becomes the 24th name on the list of starting quarterbacks for the Browns since 1999 and will have to face the division leaders for his easy debut. The Bengals will relish the short journey to Cleveland and Andy Dalton will be thinking it’s a great opportunity to shine against a poor Browns defense.

After their commanding win last week against the Rams, the confidence in the Bengals camp will be high and a +6 turnover ratio compared to the Browns -3 is a good indication of their current fortitude.

 

Baltimore Ravens (4-7) at Miami Dolphins (4-7)

With their backup quarterback Matt Schaub at the helm, the Ravens managed a last second win over the Browns last Monday. Not much to shout about, but it gave Baltimore’s flagging season a lift.

As with most teams now the season is almost two thirds gone, Miami has its own injury problems. The Dolphins fired their head coach Joe Philbin after their 1-3 start to the season. Now, after losing their last two games, the Dolphins have replaced their offensive coordinator.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was enthusiastic about the new coordinator Zac Taylor, who was promoted from their assistant quarterbacks coach. That could be the spark this game needs as Tannehill will be given the opportunity to call audibles. “I’m excited about the step we’re taking,” Tannehill said.

 

Indianapolis Colts (6-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) Sky Sports 01:30 Monday

Last year I was lucky to be at this matchup. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns setting franchise records. For the Colts, Andrew Luck contributed 400 yards passing with three touchdowns.

Luck won’t be playing this weekend as he hasn’t returned from injury, but in the 17-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck, the Colts have a capable backup. Last week Hasselbeck joined Warren Moon and Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era to win at least three consecutive starts after their 40^th birthday.

For the Steelers, there is still a question mark over Ben Roethlisberger playing. He was cleared for practice Wednesday, so it looks like he will play. The Steelers need him to as it is essential they win to improve their wild card playoffs chances.

Indianapolis also require a win to maintain their position at the top of the AFC South, so an intense game should ensure and it will be who holds their nerve the best that comes out triumphant.