The Ravens have already flipped their season around, but this Thanksgiving, Joe Burrow hopes to do the same for the Bengals. Burrow is coming back after dealing with a turf toe injury he got back in Week 2, just in time for Cincinnati’s big game in Baltimore to close out the Thanksgiving triple-header.
The Bengals really hit the ground running, starting the season 2-0, but things quickly went downhill as they slipped to 3-8. Since Burrow's been out, Jake Browning and Joe Flacco stepped in to take the snaps. While it’s a stretch to think the Bengals will pull off a big comeback this late in the year, they do have one bit of luck, they’re playing in the AFC North, which hasn't been the strongest division this season.
The Ravens and Steelers are tied at the top of the division with just 6-5 records. Even with Burrow back under centre and Ja'Marr Chase returning after a one-game suspension, the Bengals’ offence won’t be at full strength. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is still out because of a concussion. On the defensive side, their star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is sidelined too, dealing with a hip and pelvis injury.
The Ravens, after starting 1-5, have rallied impressively with five straight wins. Although their star quarterback Lamar Jackson only recently returned from a hamstring injury, their offence still hasn’t hit full stride. Jackson’s been cautious about running the ball, and over the past month, Baltimore ranks just 18th in yards per game. Facing a Bengals defense that’s been struggling could be just what they need to get going.
What makes this matchup even more interesting is they’ll meet twice in the next three weeks. The Thanksgiving game at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium is huge, and if Cincinnati can pull off a road win, it would give them a big boost heading into their rematch.
Here are the details for the game:
It’s shaping up to be a compelling showdown, can Burrow’s return spark the Bengals enough to handle the Ravens’ strong run game and defense? The answer could make this Thanksgiving one to remember.
I’m leaning toward Baltimore -5.5 because this matchup still tilts heavily in the Ravens’ favor, despite the news. Cincinnati has dropped four straight against Baltimore and hasn't been reliable ATS in this rivalry. The Ravens’ identity relies on Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry against a Bengals run defense that ranks 25th in the NFL, allowing 5.2 yards per carry. This matchup alone gives Baltimore the ability to control the clock and cover.
The news on the Bengals is that Joe Burrow is expected to play on Thanksgiving, but the context is brutal: he’s returning from turf toe, and he'll be without his top weapon, Tee Higgins (concussion), who is OUT. Defensively, they are also missing their best pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson (OUT). Walking into Baltimore shorthanded, even with Burrow, is a huge ask.
While the Ravens themselves are dealing with injuries to key players like Lamar Jackson (toe) and S Kyle Hamilton (ankle), their current five-game winning streak and defensive identity are built to overwhelm a banged-up Bengals team. Baltimore owns the edge in rushing production, takeaways, and scoring defense. They're built to control the pace and punish the Bengals' offensive line.
I see Baltimore controlling this game with their ground attack and defensive pressure, forcing a weary Burrow to win it alone. I’m backing the Ravens to cover the 5.5 at home. Take the Ravens -5.5 before the line adjusts further at Bankroll U!