Even in defeat at New England, the Baltimore Ravens were impressive. They showed lots of moxie in staying close to the Patriots despite turnovers and overall carelessness.

That game very well could be an anomaly for what has become one of the most balanced teams in the league. In last year’s playoffs and certainly in the first month of this season, the Ravens have matured exponentially on offense and remained solid on defense.

Sure, they struggled against Tom Brady, Randy Moss and company at times last weekend, but who doesn’t, particularly in Foxborough? With any chance at a comeback victory depending on getting downright stingy on defense, though, the Ravens performed well enough.

And if Mark Clayton doesn’t shy away from getting hit on a fourth-down pass, who knows?

“When your offense has 70 plays, or your offense keeps the ball for eight minutes on a drive, it’s great,” Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce said. “Your best defense is the one sitting on the sideline. So, we don’t mind at all.”

Now comes Cincinnati, soaring after three straight last-minute wins, including an overtime thriller against Cleveland. (Did we put thriller in the same sentence as the Bengals and Browns?) The Bengals are 9-point underdogs at Baltimore.

“We’ve got to quit making it hard on ourselves,” guard Bobbie Williams said. “We’ve got to stop doing that.”

The Ravens, angry after the loss in New England, will put an end to those close calls.

RAVENS, 26-13



Oakland (plus 15) at N.Y. Giants

Banged-up Giants get another pushover as they try to get healthy before the real competition shows up.

BEST BET: GIANTS 30-7



Houston (plus 5) at Arizona

Cardinals have been mediocre at home, losing both games. If Texans can run, they can win.

UPSET SPECIAL: TEXANS 24-21



Jacksonville (off) at Seattle

With Matt Hasselbeck uncertain to play, no line here. With or without the Seahawks QB, we like the revitalized Jaguars.

JAGUARS, 17-13



Minnesota (minus 10) at St. Louis

No hype, no hoopla, just a total mismatch. Even if the Vikings are a bit flat, they can handle Rams.

VIKINGS, 23-10



Dallas (minus 9) at Kansas City

Chiefs show up at a good time for the inconsistent and vulnerable Cowboys.

COWBOYS, 24-7



Washington (plus 5 1/2) at Carolina

If the Panthers can’t get off the schneid this week, there’s no hope for them.

PANTHERS, 17-10



Tampa Bay (plus 14) at Philadelphia

Fresh from a bye, with Donovan McNabb a possible starter, Eagles should soar.

EAGLES, 31-7



Cleveland (plus 6) at Buffalo

Wouldn’t T.O. fit better in Cleveland’s locker room these days?

BILLS, 17-10



Pittsburgh (minus 12) at Detroit

Steelers hope to have Troy Polamalu back. They won’t need him this week.

STEELERS, 30-14



Atlanta (pick-em) at San Francisco

Niners are 2 seconds from being 4-0, but Falcons match up well and are rested after a bye.

FALCONS, 24-21



New England (minus 3 1/2) at Denver

The mentor (Bill B) against the student (Josh McD). Time for Denver’s nice run to end.

PATRIOTS, 20-14



Indianapolis (minus 3) at Tennessee

From 10-0 in 2008, Titans could be halfway to 0-10 after this one. Peyton Manning playing as well as ever.

COLTS, 27-17



N.Y. Jets (minus 2 1/2) at Miami (Monday night)

Other than Mark Sanchez, Jets performed well at New Orleans. Can Dolphins unnerve him, too?

JETS, 21-20

———

RECORD:

Versus spread, 3-10 (27-32-1 season); Straight up, 11-3 (46-16 season)

Best Bet: 1-3

Upset Special: 3-1