WEEK 5: BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-2) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-3)
When
Sunday, October 6th at 1 p.m.
Where
Paycor Stadium (66,515)
Spread
Ravens are favored by 2 1/2 points (BetMGM Sportsbook)
How to Watch/Listen
Television: CBS / WJZ Ch. 13 (Baltimore
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM / 98Rock (97.9 FM) / SiriusXM Ch. 132 or 382
SERIES HISTORY
The Ravens lead the all-time series against the Bengals, 30-16. Cincinnati won the only postseason matchup. Coach John Harbaugh is 17-15 vs. the Bengals in the regular season, winning two straight games. The Ravens are 4-4, including playoffs, in their last eight games at Cincinnati, winning 27-24 last season in Week 2.
NOTABLE
Kyle Van Noy’s six sacks this season are ranked No. 2 in the NFL. Van Noy has produced at least five sacks in six consecutive seasons, marking the NFL’s longest such active streak. In addition, Van Noy’s defensive Expected Points Added on sacks per game (3.49) also ranks as the NFL’s best figure in 2024.
2024 RANKINGS
Ravens: Total Offense: 1; Total Defense: 13
Bengals: Total Offense: 11; Total Defense: 15T
RAVENS’ GAME PLAN
Offense
The Ravens have amassed at least 300 yards of offense in each of the past 13 games against the Bengals. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry will have an opportunity to put up big numbers again. Henry leads the NFL with 480 yards rushing and has scored at least a touchdown in every game this season. In contrast, the Bengals have struggled against the run and allow 145.5 yards rushing per game — tied for 25th in the NFL. Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken is finding the team’s identity, which is using the run to set up the pass.
The Bengals will stack the box to force Jackson to beat them through the air. Jackson has been better at throwing the ball downfield when needed. He has thrown for 858 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in four games. Jackson is also second on the team with 308 yards rushing with another two scores, so he should be able to handle the Bengals ‘pass rush. The Bengals are allowing 181.3 yards passing per game — ranked 11th in the NFL. Most of Cincinnati’s opponents have focused on running the ball.
Defensively, the Bengals are led by linebacker Logan Wilson, who knocked Ravens tight end Mark Andrews out for six games with a hip-drop tackle last season. Wilson leads the Bengals with 143 tackles. Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson leads the team with three sacks. Cincinnati is allowing 26 points per game, tied for 27th in the NFL.
Defense
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is having a solid season despite the team’s losing record. He is back in the lineup after suffering a season-ending wrist injury against the Ravens last season. Burrow has thrown for 978 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception for a 105.9 rating in four games. He is one of six quarterbacks in the NFL to have completed at least 70 percent of his pass attempts. The Ravens have been solid getting to the quarterback and they will keep the pressure on Burrow throughout the game.
The Bengals have two of the NFL’s best wide receivers— Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who is back in the lineup after dealing with a hamstring injury. Chase leads the team with 19 receptions for 300 yards with three touchdowns. Tight end Mike Gesicki has also been a threat and has caught 15 passes for 147 yards. The Ravens’ biggest weakness has been the pass defense, which allows 257.5 yards per game — ranked 29th in the NFL. Baltimore’s cornerbacks — Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens and rookie Nate Wiggins — will need to try to prevent Chase and Higgins from getting behind them for big gains. The secondary needs support from safeties Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams as Gesicki will try to exploit the middle of the field.
No team has been able to run on the Ravens, who rank No. 1 in the NFL in allowing 57.8 yards per game, Cincinnai has a one-two punch at running back with Zack Moss (187 yards rushing) and Chase Brown (184). Both will be challenged to find holes, especially if Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce is back from a shoulder injury.
PREDICTION
After a slow start, the Ravens are playing their best football and are coming off an impressive 35-10 win against Buffalo. The Ravens have a blueprint for success — running the football and playing tough defense. The Bengals have been disappointing and are giving up big plays. The Ravens have also had success against Burrow, while Jackson is 3-0 as a starter against Cincinnati.
