Cincinnati Bengals: 4 Players Who Can Secure Win over Baltimore Ravens

After losing a hard fought battle to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, the Cincinnati Bengals will be back at it this weekend as they travel to Baltimore to take on the 6-3 Ravens.

A win over Baltimore would be huge for the Bengals' playoff hopes, but it won't be an easy task.

Here are four players who absolutely have to play well this weekend for the Bengals to pull off the upset.

Andy Dalton

If the Bengals hope to knock off Baltimore, they'll have to get better play out of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.

Dalton has been effective all season long, throwing for 14 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, but he seemed a bit rattled against Pittsburgh's stout veteran defense last week.

Being successful against Baltimore's D won't be any easier of a task, but if he can maintain his composure and make the plays he is capable of making Dalton could very well lead the Bengals to win No. 7.

Jerome Simpson

After landing awkwardly on a touchdown grab last week, rookie sensation A.J. Green is questionable at best for Sunday's contest. 

If he's out, or even limited whatsoever, Jerome Simpson will have to step up and become Cincinnati's No. 1 target.

While he's an awfully streaky performer, Simpson has had two 100-yard games already this season and his physical abilities are undeniable.

The Ravens' secondary is stacked, but Simpson's sheer speed could be enough to create some problems for Baltimore. 

Kelly Jennings

Cincinnati's Leon Hall has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season after suffering a nasty Achilles injury in last weekend's contest, so that leaves the starting cornerback duties to Nate Clements and a newly promoted Kelly Jennings.

Clements will most likely be assigned to Baltimore's Anquan Boldin for the majority of the afternoon, while Jennings will have to focus on talented rookie Torrey Smith and the rest of the Ravens' receiving corps.

Jennings is a big drop-off from Hall, but if he can prove serviceable in the secondary, the Bengals should be able to contain Baltimore's mediocre air attack.

Andrew Whitworth

Simply put, Baltimore's pass rush is scary.

Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis and the rest of the Ravens' fast-flying defense will be hunting down Andy Dalton all day long. It will be up to veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth and the rest of the Cincy O-line to keep the rookie gunslinger on his feet.

It will be a heck of a challenge, but Whitworth is one of the league's best pass-blockers, and he should be able to contain Suggs and the gang if he plays up to his potential.

He's the cornerstone of the Cincy O-line, and his play will be paramount if the Bengals hope to upset their divisional foes.