Bengals vs Ravens TNF Preview: Can Cincinnati Maintain Momentum After Big Win?
Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens: A Crucial AFC North Showdown on Thursday Night Football
As the NFL season heats up, the suddenly hot Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) will travel to Baltimore for a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup with the division-rival Ravens (6-3). The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET from M&T Bank Stadium, and the Ravens are favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under of 53 total points. This contest has the potential to shape the AFC North standings, as both teams are in the midst of critical stretches in the season. Let’s break down the latest stats and analyze whether Cincinnati’s newfound form can carry them past the powerhouse Ravens.
Can the Bengals Maintain Their Momentum After a Dominant Win?
The Bengals are entering Week 10 coming off an impressive 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Joe Burrow was at his best, throwing a career-high five touchdown passes, while the running game also showed significant improvement with Chase Brown rushing for 120 yards on 22 carries. The defense stepped up, holding the Raiders to a mere 217 total yards, including just 60 yards on the ground.
Burrow’s impressive 2024 season has seen him complete 70.2% of his passes for 2,244 yards, with 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. His top receiving options—Ja’Marr Chase (717 yards, 7 TDs), Tee Higgins (341 yards, 3 TDs), and Mike Gesicki (353 yards, 2 TDs)—provide a lethal combination. On the ground, Chase Brown has become a steady contributor with 479 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
However, despite their strong performance, the Bengals’ offense is far from perfect. They rank 7th in points scored per game (26.2) and 17th in total yards (330.6). Cincinnati’s rushing attack ranks just 27th in the NFL (94.2 yards per game), which will likely be a point of emphasis heading into this game. Additionally, their defense has been inconsistent, surrendering 25.2 points per game (25th) and allowing opponents to convert 44.5% of third downs (26th). If they’re to have a chance against Baltimore, the defense will need to step up against a potent Ravens offense.
Ravens’ Dominance Continues: A Well-Oiled Machine Heading into TNF
After a tough loss to Cleveland, the Ravens bounced back in style, delivering a 41-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Baltimore’s offense posted a staggering 396 total yards, and quarterback Lamar Jackson played one of his most efficient games of the season, going 16-for-19 for 280 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a perfect passer rating.
Lamar Jackson continues to make his case as one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Through nine games, Jackson has thrown for 2,379 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only two interceptions, while adding 505 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. His top targets, Zay Flowers (654 yards, 3 TDs), Rashod Bateman (447 yards, 3 TDs), and Mark Andrews (289 yards, 4 TDs), have been consistent contributors. Running back Derrick Henry also had a strong showing last week, rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens’ offense ranks 2nd in points scored (31.4) and 1st in total yards (445.9), showcasing a balance of both passing (254.0 yards per game) and rushing offense (191.9 yards per game). Baltimore also ranks highly in third-down efficiency (5th, 45.7%) and red zone conversion rate (1st, 74.3%), which shows their ability to execute in high-leverage situations.
Defensively, the Ravens have been much more vulnerable, ranking 23rd in points allowed (24.3) and 32nd in passing yards allowed (280.9). Their pass defense has struggled at times, which is something Cincinnati’s high-powered passing attack can potentially exploit. On the bright side, Baltimore’s pass rush has been outstanding, ranking 5th in sacks (28), and they’ve done a good job limiting rushing yards (75.7 yards per game, 1st in the league).
Conclusion
This Thursday Night Football game features two teams with very different strengths: the Bengals, who have been on an upward trajectory, and the Ravens, who are firing on all cylinders. While Cincinnati’s offense is capable of putting up points in bunches, their defense will be the biggest concern in facing an offense as potent as Baltimore’s. With the Ravens’ ability to dominate both in the air and on the ground, they enter this game as the favorites.
While Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense will likely keep it close, expect Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ balanced attack to be too much to overcome in this AFC North showdown. The Ravens should have the upper hand in a high-scoring affair.
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