The Baltimore Ravens saw their four-game winning streak end in Week 10 against a divisional rival in the Cleveland Browns but they will have a chance to beat another AFC North opponent on Thursday Night Football when they host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. The kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 PM EST. Baltimore truly lost a heartbreaker to the Browns and will be hoping to get back on track here. Cincinnati was also handed a loss thanks to CJ Stroud’s brilliance for the Houston Texans. This contest will have major implications for how things turn out in the division. Continue reading for the Bengals vs Ravens picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, check out our NFL betting odds and Super Bowl odds for 2024.
The Ravens are the favorite here with -190 moneyline odds. The Bengals come back at +165. Baltimore laying just 3.5 points on the spread, though. The total is set at 46, with the under being hit in three of the last four meetings. Something to keep an eye on. The Ravens already beat Cincy back in September by a score of 27-24.
It’s been a very up-and-down campaign for the Bengals, who are always considered a Super Bowl contender in past years with Burrow under center. But, the QB was evidently playing injured to begin the campaign, and that resulted in them losing three of their first four games. Zac Taylor’s group did go 4-1 after that but fell back down to earth on Sunday, losing on a last-second field goal to the Texans.
Burrow had a respectable outing, throwing for 347 yards while completing 27 of 40 passes for two touchdowns. But, he also threw two picks and was sacked four times. In fact, both interceptions came in the fourth quarter and proved to be costly in Cincy’s hopes of snatching another much-needed victory in order to stay in the AFC North mix. Out wide, Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase combined for 13 catches for over 240 yards receiving.
To be honest, the Bengals didn’t exactly deserve the win, having trailed 20-7 in the third quarter before coming back. They were playing catch-up for most of the game. There was a serious lack of consistency on the offensive end and it hurt them, even against a team like the Texans who were led by a young, hungry quarterback. If Cincinnati is this poor defensively in Week 11 against the electric Ravens, they will be looking at a fifth loss. It’s as simple as that.
Despite losing to the Browns on a last-minute FG as well, Baltimore still remains in first place in the AFC North with a 7-3 record and looks like they should win the division, barring health of course. This offense is very solid, but most of the damage has come on the ground thanks to Lamar Jackson. John Harbaugh’s squad ranks 1st in rushing yards (154.9) and fifth in points (27). Jackson is easily the best dual-threat QB in the game and we’re seeing why in 2023.
Lamar had a poor game on Sunday, though. He completed just 13 of 23 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Browns came back from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to win 33-31. Jackson rushed for 41 yards, while rookie Keaton Mitchell had a huge 39-yard run on a touchdown early in the first half. Despite having one of the best defenses in the league, Baltimore allowed Cleveland to claw their way into the game and there’s no question the Ravens will be kicking themselves.
All three of their losses this season have actually come to AFC opponents, which doesn’t exactly bode well for Thursday. Plus, the Bengals desperately need to win this game, even worse than Baltimore. Jackson has to be much better both through the air and on the ground if the Ravens are going to get back on track here.
Cincinnati is a Super Bowl-caliber team, even though it may not look like it right now. So is Baltimore, but they’re not in the basement of the AFC North. Another loss here almost certainly puts the Bengals out of the playoff picture. I expect Burrow and Co. to go on the road and get it done.
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