Get ready for an NFL showdown that’s got everyone talking! The Bengals are gearing up to face off against the Ravens, and the stakes are high. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Bengals vs. Ravens odds and get you prepped with an expert pick and prediction for this Thursday Night Football clash.
The Odds:
As of Wednesday night, the Ravens are holding a -3.5 spread across the board, with the game total over/under set at 46. It’s a tight matchup, and every point counts.
Injury Report:
Hold onto your seats, Bengals fans—three key players won’t be hitting the field for this AFC North showdown. Notably absent are wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) and edge rusher Sam Hubbard (ankle). How will this impact the game? We’re about to find out.
Thursday Night Football Breakdown:
- Date & Time: Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Bengals vs. Ravens Prediction:
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for—the expert pick and prediction. According to the keen eyes of the experts, the Ravens are the ones to watch, especially in the first half. They have a knack for starting strong, and although they might ease up later in the game, their first-half performance is nothing short of impressive. With only 28 minutes of trailing throughout the season, the Ravens are a force to be reckoned with early on.
So, here’s the play: Ravens 1H -1.5 (-110). Trust the experts at FanDuel with QuickSlip for this pick.
Matchup Analysis:
When the Bengals Have the Ball:
Joe Burrow is on fire, overcoming a calf injury earlier in the season. However, he’s missing his go-to receiver Higgins for this critical divisional matchup. Facing the formidable Ravens defense, ranked second in DVOA, Burrow needs to bring his A-game.
Former Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy approach used to trouble Burrow, but new DC Mike Macdonald has adjusted. The Ravens will be without cornerback Marlon Humphrey, a significant blow to their secondary. Keep an eye on Rock Ya-Sin, Arthur Maulet, and Ronald Darby stepping up to fill the gap.
When the Ravens Have the Ball:
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is out, which could impact the Ravens’ offensive line, but replacement Patrick Mekari has proven himself when needed. For the Bengals, the absence of Hubbard hurts their run defense and pass rush. The Bengals’ defense struggles against the run, ranking 29th in DVOA, which is a concern facing the league-leading Ravens rushing attack.
Keaton Mitchell adds another dimension to the Ravens’ run game, and coach John Harbaugh plans to give him more opportunities. The Bengals need to shore up their defense, especially against mobile QBs like Lamar Jackson.
Betting Picks & Predictions:
The verdict is in, and the experts favor the Ravens, especially in the first half. With a track record of strong starts, the Ravens are projected to be up by around three points at halftime. While the full game -3.5 might be riskier, the first-half bet at -1.5 is a more comfortable play.
So, gear up for Thursday Night Football and consider riding the Ravens’ early momentum to secure that first-half victory. Let the games begin!
