4 Key Matchups to Watch in Bengals-Ravens

The Cincinnati Bengals will return from their bye week Sunday when they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a pivotal AFC North matchup. Cincinnati enters at 3-2, while Baltimore sits at 4-2 following a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. With both teams looking to gain ground in the division, several individual matchups could play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Ja'Marr Chase vs. Marlon Humphrey

Ja’Marr Chase has consistently found success against the Ravens, making his matchup with cornerback Marlon Humphrey one of the most intriguing battles of the afternoon. In 10 career games against Baltimore, Chase has averaged 120.4 receiving yards per game, including 457 yards and five touchdowns across two meetings in 2024.

Humphrey acknowledged the challenge Chase presents when discussing the matchup this week, saying, “It would be cool if I didn’t match up with him so much.” He also called Chase one of the best receivers in the league and described Cincinnati’s receiving duo of Chase and Tee Higgins as a major challenge for Baltimore’s secondary. Humphrey's goal will be limiting explosive plays, but Chase's history against the Ravens makes that easier said than done.

Orlando Brown Jr. vs. Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson will face his former team for the first time after joining Baltimore in free agency. The defensive end recorded a sack in his return from finger surgery last week and will look to disrupt his former quarterback, Joe Burrow.

Standing in his way is left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who practiced against Hendrickson for multiple seasons in Cincinnati. Brown knows the pass rusher's tendencies, but familiarity works both ways. Hendrickson recorded 25 quarterback pressures entering Week 7 and will look to use his explosiveness and pass-rushing ability to get past Brown. Cincinnati's protection must keep Burrow upright against a defender who knows the Bengals' offense well.

Dexter Lawrence vs. Derrick Henry

Cincinnati made a major investment in its defensive line by acquiring Dexter Lawrence, hoping to improve a run defense that struggled last season. Now, Lawrence and the Bengals' front face one of the NFL's most physical running backs in Derrick Henry.

Henry enters the matchup after rushing for a season-low 58 yards against Cleveland. Cincinnati will look to build on its improved ability to stop opposing runs, with Lawrence's strength and ability to penetrate the backfield playing a major role. However, Henry remains capable of turning a small opening into a significant gain. If Lawrence and the defensive front control the line of scrimmage, they could force Baltimore into more predictable passing situations.

DJ Turner vs. Zay Flowers

DJ Turner faces another difficult assignment against Baltimore's leading receiver, Zay Flowers. Flowers has recorded 471 receiving yards this season despite missing one game, making him a key part of the Ravens' passing attack.

Turner, however, has already shown he can limit Flowers. Across their two meetings last season, Turner allowed just one reception for 14 yards on four targets when matched up against the receiver. Repeating that performance will be challenging, as Flowers' speed and ability to create yards after the catch make him dangerous in open space. Turner's coverage could be especially important if Baltimore's quarterback situation limits the offense's ability to attack downfield.