The Baltimore Ravens' offense is lacking in one major area, which they will need to fix to beat the Bengals.
The Baltimore Ravens have been lacking in a major area, which is the main component of their slow starts in games.
Starting slow is never a good thing, especially given the tough schedule the Ravens have had in 2025. Most of their opponents thus far have been teams with positive records or those who are close to securing playoff berths.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and the Minnesota Vikings are the outliers. Regardless, the Ravens have failed in most games due to ranking 30th in red zone efficiency. That is a core element that will need to be fixed.
The Ravens battled back against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, but their categorically slow start to the game led to them playing catch-up through four quarters. They cut the lead to 27-22 in the fourth quarter, but stalled drives led to the loss.
The usual case for Baltimore is to march down the field, and either Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson punches it in. Even Mark Andrews would be available for over-the-middle type of touchdown throws.
Despite the usual formula that has worked over many seasons, the Ravens have clearly lost a big step in that regard. Fixing the red zone efficiency will be their best bet at beating the Bengals.
Even if the Ravens happen to get a field goal on an offensive series, they need to get points on the board.
Drives stalling due to costly penalities are not helping either.
To be fair, the Ravens were screwed over in Week 14 due to a very questionable Isaiah Likely touchdown being shockingly overturned, along with the horrifically wrong call on Travis Jones that led to a Steelers first down.
Either way, the Ravens should not leave the fate of their offense in the hands of the officials. Moving the chains is paramount for any team, but especially for Baltimore.
The Ravens must score touchdowns by any means necessary on Sunday. Their lack of being a scoring threat has led to too many lost leads.
If they lose to the Bengals, their playoff chances plummet below 15 percent. However, a win could lead to reclaiming first place in the AFC North, which could happen if the Steelers lose to the Miami Dolphins.
That could very well happen, so it is up to the Ravens to snap their 30th ranking in red zone efficiency and score early and often.