Can the Bengals sweep the season series with the Ravens for the first time since 2021? Will the Ravens come back after losing back-to-back division games and keep their playoff hopes alive? Here's what will decide the game between the division rivals.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a devastating 39-34 loss Sunday to reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Highmark Stadium. Although Burrow threw for 284 yards and four touchdowns, it was his two interceptions thrown, including a pick-six, that effectively cost Cincinnati the game. The Bengals look to move forward in their next matchup against two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
Although Cincinnati’s chances of making the playoffs are slim to none, it is looking for its first season sweep of Baltimore since 2021 (via Sports Reference). Burrow won his first regular-season game against Jackson this season to improve his lackluster record to 2-6 against the former No. 32 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Can The Ravens Make The Playoffs?
While the Bengals are set to have their worst record since Burrow’s rookie season (via Pro Football Reference), the Ravens have not delivered a promising season thus far either. After a shocking 1-5 start, Baltimore was able to put together five wins in a row before suffering back-to-back division losses against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bengals in Weeks 13 and 14.
Somehow, the Ravens still have a chance to win the AFC North Division as they sit just a game behind the Steelers. The difference is that the record for Baltimore’s remaining opponents is 31-20-1 compared to that of Pittsburgh’s remaining opponents, which is 24-28.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson © Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Key Factors for Bengals-Ravens
The most obvious disparity in this matchup comes by way of the Ravens’ rushing attack vs. the Bengals’ rush defense. It’s no secret that Jackson and running back Derrick Henry are one of the most lethal rushing quarterback-running back duos in NFL history. That shows with Baltimore’s rankings of No. 3 in rush percentage, No. 2 in yards per rush, and No. 3 in rush yards per game. These numbers already stand out on the stat sheet, but they really pop once you compare them to Cincinnati’s defensive statistics.
The Bengals rank No. 31 in opponent yards per rush and dead last in opponent rush yards per game. These are coupled with Cincinnati’s last-place rankings in opponent points per game, opponent yards per game, opponent points per play, opponent yards per play, and opponent touchdowns per game. Not to mention, the Bengals are now without superstar defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who went through season-ending core muscle surgery.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry © Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
If the Bengals can somehow overcome this statistical nightmare, it is certain that a Burrow-led offense can significantly alter the trajectory of a game. Cincinnati’s passing statistics are rightfully skewed due to Burrow playing in just four games this season.
However, it is evident that regardless of the time off Burrow has spent, he is ready to perform; in his last two games, he has thrown for a combined 545 yards and six touchdowns. The caveat now is that star wide receiver Tee Higgins is likely going to be out at least this week due to being in concussion protocol for the second time in three weeks, although no timetable for return has been set yet.