Seeking their third straight win, the Ravens (2-2) will play their first AFC North game on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-3).
Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m., Paycor Stadium
TV: CBS, WJZ Ch. 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Ch. 9 (Washington), and more. CBS crew Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Trent Green (analyst), Melanie Collins (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 132 or 382. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Compass Media Networks: Chris Carrino (play-by-play), Brian Baldinger (analyst)
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 30-27, including the postseason. They last faced the Bengals on Thursday Night Football in November of 2023, when Baltimore prevailed, 34-20, at M&T Bank Stadium to sweep the season series. Both teams lost a star player to injury. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews suffered an ankle injury that required surgery, and he didn’t return to action until the AFC Championship game in January. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was lost for the season due to a wrist injury suffered in the second quarter.
Stakes
The Ravens can climb above .500 for the first time this season and win their third straight game. They can also win their third in a row over the Bengals. This is a huge game for the Bengals after their 0-3 start. Moving to 2-3 would put the Bengals squarely back into the division race, but falling to 1-4 would put them in deep trouble. Washington was the last 1-4 team to make the playoffs, winning the NFC East at 7-9 in 2020.
Key Storylines
Will the Ravens’ rushing attack remain dominant?
The Ravens have rushed for at least 270 yards in back-to-back games, the first team to do that since 2016. Cincinnati ranks just 25th against the run, and Derrick Henry ran for 122 yards against Cincinnati last season while playing with the Tennessee Titans. Henry’s comfort level with Baltimore’s offensive scheme seems to be improving each week, and Baltimore’s league-leading rushing attack could keep Burrow off the field and make it a long day for the Bengals’ defense.
Can Joe Burrow have success against Baltimore’s pass defense?
The Ravens have done well containing Burrow in recent seasons, holding him to fewer than 225 yards passing in his last four starts against them. However, Baltimore’s pass defense got off to a rocky start and is still ranked 28th after a strong showing against the Bills. The Bengals will attack Baltimore’s secondary with Burrow targeting star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It will likely be a busy day for Ravens corners Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, and Nate Wiggins trying to keep Burrow and his weapons in check.
Can the Ravens make an early statement in the AFC North?
This is the first divisional game for both teams, and Baltimore has an opportunity to put the Bengals in an early-season hole. The Ravens are the defending AFC North champs and appear to have righted themselves after their 0-2 start. The Bengals still have questions to answer, with their lone victory coming in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. It’s only Week 5, but if the Ravens win their third straight game and drop the Bengals to 1-4, Baltimore’s outlook would be trending up while Cincinnati’s would clearly be trending down.
Players to Watch
OLB Kyle Van Noy
The reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month has six sacks over the last three games and has been making game-changing plays. Van Noy hopes to continue his torrid stretch by disrupting Burrow, who’s the key to Cincinnati’s offense.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson has an 8-1 career record as a starter against Cincinnati and has completed 78.1% of his passes over the last two games, with three touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a 137.4 quarterback rating. The Bengals need to find an answer for Jackson and may not have one.
ILB Roquan Smith
Talking about this game, Smith said, “Truth be told, [the Bengals] don’t like us, and we don’t like them.” The Ravens’ defense has picked up its level of play and Smith has been a big part of that. Smith loves physical games and will try to set the tone for another strong defensive effort from Baltimore.
