Bengals vs Ravens: Thursday Night Football Preview and Betting Odds

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens are set to clash in a pivotal AFC North matchup on Thursday Night Football, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Ravens, with a 6-3 record, are riding a wave of success, having won six of their last seven games. They also boast a strong home record, winning five of their last six games against the Bengals in Baltimore.

The Bengals, currently 4-5, have been inconsistent but have shown promise, winning three of their last four games. They are 3-1 on the road this season, which could be a factor in this away game. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been a key player for the Bengals, completing 70.2% of his passes for 2,244 yards and 20 touchdowns. His top target, Ja'Marr Chase, has 55 receptions for 717 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.

The Ravens are favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 53 points. Baltimore is a -270 money-line favorite, while the Bengals are +217 underdogs. The Ravens’ quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has been exceptional this season, completing 68.2% of his passes for 2,379 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is also a significant threat on the ground, averaging over 56 rushing yards per game.

Derrick Henry, the Ravens’ running back, continues to dominate, having already surpassed 1,000 yards for the season with 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance will be crucial against the Bengals’ 18th-ranked rushing defense.

SportsLine‘s advanced computer model, which is on a 14-7 betting hot streak on top-rated NFL picks this year, is leaning towards the Over, projecting 62 total points. The model also suggests that the Ravens’ strong offense and defense will be key factors in this matchup.

The game promises to be high-scoring, given the historical performances of both teams. The Bengals’ defense, which has been inconsistent, will face a tough test against the Ravens’ potent offense. Conversely, the Ravens’ defense, particularly against the run, will need to contain the Bengals’ offense, which has shown flashes of brilliance.