The Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens have had a competitive rivalry within the AFC North for many years. Since the Ravens’ inception in 1996, their matchups with the Bengals have been consistently intense, with both teams battling for playoff positions and divisional supremacy. Over the years, the Ravens have had the upper hand in the series, but the Bengals, with their explosive offense and strong defensive players, have been a formidable opponent.
When these two teams meet, it is more than just a game—it’s a battle of wills, a clash of styles, and often a game that comes down to the wire. The Bengals have been known for their aggressive passing game, while the Ravens have balanced their offense with strong running backs and a mobile quarterback in Lamar Jackson. As such, their encounters are a spectacle of contrasting play styles, making for thrilling matchups that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Recent Bengals vs. Ravens Matchups
Week 5: Bengals vs. Ravens – A Thrilling Match
In their Week 5 meeting, the Bengals hosted the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The game was expected to be a tight affair, with both teams coming in with winning records. The first half was a back-and-forth contest, with both quarterbacks—Joe Burrow for the Bengals and Lamar Jackson for the Ravens—putting on a show. Jackson, with his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs, led the Ravens’ offense efficiently, while Burrow, with his precision passing and chemistry with his receiving corps, kept the Bengals in the game.
By the end of the third quarter, the Ravens had managed to secure a slight lead, but the Bengals quickly responded. Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals’ star wide receiver, exploded for multiple big plays, including a deep 65-yard touchdown catch, showcasing his elite route-running and ability to make defenders miss. Burrow also connected with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins for key receptions. However, despite the Bengals’ efforts, a key turnover in the fourth quarter—a strip sack on Burrow—gave the Ravens a chance to control the game. Lamar Jackson capitalized on the Bengals’ mistakes, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another.
The Ravens held on to win 27-24 in a game that left the Bengals wondering what could have been had they executed better in the closing minutes.
Week 10: Bengals vs. Ravens – A Heartbreaker for Cincinnati
In their Week 10 rematch, the Bengals traveled to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for what many considered a must-win game. Cincinnati had been struggling to maintain consistency, while the Ravens were riding high with a strong defense and a rejuvenated offense led by Jackson. Once again, the game was competitive from the start, with both teams finding success in the passing game.
Burrow played a near-perfect first half, throwing for two touchdowns and over 250 yards. Ja’Marr Chase once again proved to be a constant threat, torching the Ravens’ secondary for 120 yards and one touchdown. However, the second half was a different story for the Bengals. The Ravens’ defense adjusted, putting more pressure on Burrow, and Jackson’s ability to scramble for first downs kept the Bengals’ defense on their toes.
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, the Bengals had a chance to drive for a game-winning field goal. However, a controversial call on a potential game-winning pass interference penalty resulted in the Ravens getting possession and being able to milk the clock down to the final seconds. With 30 seconds left, Justin Tucker—one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history—sealed the victory with a 47-yard field goal as time expired. Ravens 31, Bengals 28.
Player Stats and Performances
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson’s performances in these games were essential to the Ravens’ success. His ability to excel both as a passer and a rusher makes him one of the most formidable quarterbacks in the NFL.
- Week 5: Jackson threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns, adding 56 rushing yards. His playmaking ability with his legs and his ability to move the pocket were crucial in keeping the Bengals’ defense guessing. Jackson’s ability to improvise and find open receivers, including Mark Andrews, kept the Bengals off balance.
- Week 10: Jackson was again effective, throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. He added 45 rushing yards and a touchdown, breaking free for a 20-yard scramble that set up a pivotal touchdown in the third quarter. His mobility, especially in tight situations, was a significant factor in the Ravens’ ability to control the clock in the second half.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Joe Burrow, despite two tough losses, displayed why he is considered one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks. He continued to show poise in the pocket and a deep connection with his top receivers.
- Week 5: Burrow threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns, with Ja’Marr Chase being his primary target. He had a solid game overall but struggled when pressured by the Ravens’ defense. In particular, his inability to avoid pressure on the pocket and his interception late in the game were key moments that allowed the Ravens to stay in control.
- Week 10: Burrow was excellent once again, passing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Chase for two scores, including a 50-yard bomb, and Boyd for another touchdown. However, mistakes—especially a fumble and a failed two-point conversion—prevented the Bengals from closing out the game.
Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Chase was undoubtedly one of the standout players for the Bengals in both games. His speed, separation, and ability to track the football made him a constant threat.
- Week 5: Chase caught 7 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. His ability to stretch the field and beat cornerbacks on deep routes made him a headache for the Ravens’ secondary.
- Week 10: Chase had another impressive performance, hauling in 9 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He displayed incredible ball skills, making acrobatic catches in tight coverage and beating defensive backs with his route running.
Tyler Huntley (Baltimore Ravens)
While Lamar Jackson was the clear leader for the Ravens, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley came in during key moments to help stabilize the offense when Jackson was banged up in Week 10. Huntley displayed his own ability to move the chains, though his contributions were not as significant in terms of yardage. His ability to execute in short-yardage situations was important in helping the Ravens maintain possession and keep the Bengals’ defense on the field longer.
Weak Points and Areas for Improvement
Cincinnati Bengals’ Struggles
- Protecting the Quarterback: In both games, the Bengals’ offensive line struggled to contain the Ravens’ pass rush. Burrow was sacked multiple times, and the inability to protect him in key moments led to turnovers and missed opportunities. The Bengals will need to focus on upgrading their offensive line to better protect Burrow moving forward.
- Defense Against the Run: The Bengals’ defense struggled to contain the Ravens’ running backs in critical moments, especially Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s ability to scramble and pick up first downs on designed quarterback runs and broken plays left the Bengals’ defense vulnerable.
Baltimore Ravens’ Weaknesses
- Inconsistency in the Passing Game: Although Lamar Jackson is a dynamic playmaker, his passing accuracy was inconsistent at times. In both games, there were moments where Jackson missed open receivers or threw inaccurate passes under pressure. The Ravens will need to find a more balanced passing game to complement their running attack.
- Secondary Coverage: The Ravens’ secondary had a difficult time keeping up with Ja’Marr Chase, especially in Week 5. While they were able to make adjustments in Week 10, they need to find a more reliable way to shut down top-tier wide receivers moving forward.
Conclusion
The Bengals and Ravens are two teams with a lot to offer in terms of talent and potential, but also significant weaknesses that can be exploited. Lamar Jackson continues to be the driving force for the Ravens, while Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are the future for the Bengals’ offense. However, key turnovers and defensive lapses have cost both teams, especially in close games.
As this rivalry continues, both teams will look to strengthen their areas of weakness and refine their strengths. For the Bengals, protecting Joe Burrow and shoring up their defense will be key, while the Ravens need to maintain a balanced offensive attack and improve their secondary coverage. Both teams are expected to remain competitive in the AFC North, making their future matchups even more crucial in the race for divisional supremacy.
