Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can the Bengals Protect Joe Burrow?

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can the Bengals Protect Joe Burrow?

The Cincinnati Bengals, like last year, are a weird team. Their offensive line, though they revamped it, has been very rough and hasn’t done a great job of protecting Joe Burrow. That was a big reason that the Bengals lost their first two games. In the Bengals' first win, Burrow was brought down just two times, and just once in their Week 4 win. 

Lamar Jackson is having a season that could be MVP worthy if they find themselves on a winning streak. He’s been very solid both in the air and on the ground, but they’ve yet to win two games in a row, as they’re now 2-2 on the season. They’ve now let two teams come back and beat them. They had Buffalo down 20-3 at one point last week, yet lost 23-20. 

A poor offensive line or a stagnant offense? Both go head to head in the Week Five matchup on Sunday Night Football.

Ravens vs. Bengals Start Time and Where to Watch

• Date: October 9, 2022
• Game Time: 8:20 pm ET
• Where to Watch: NBC

Ravens vs. Bengals Odds

• Spread: Ravens -3 (-115), Bengals +3 (-104)
• Total Odds: O/U 48.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Odds: Ravens (-180), Bengals (+150)

Click here for Ravens vs Bengals odds

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Prediction

As mentioned, Joe Burrow has been playing with an offensive line that either has yet to find their stride or simply hasn’t been good enough to keep him on his feet. In the Bengals’ first two games, Burrow was facing pressures or taking sacks way too often, allowing the offense no time to find their rhythm.

In their two most recent games though, they looked more solid and Burrow was able to put together some solid games to win two games in a row. They’ll look to carry on with their momentum against a team who has yet to find any momentum this season. The Ravens have allowed two big comebacks in their last three games, which is telling on their record. Lamar Jackson has been good, but the offense goes stagnant when they take a solid lead, whether it’s because of the play calling or the play from the QB, it’s been disappointing. 

Joe Burrow has put up 1,099 yards on 100-156 passing on the season while picking up eight touchdowns to four interceptions. That td-int ratio isn’t solid, but this game could prove a breakout game for Burrow. While the Ravens’ defense was solid in the first half against the Bills, Josh Allen seemed to easily drive down the field in the second half.

If Burrow gets solid protection under center, there’s no reason his offense can’t put together a big game against the Ravens. Looking at his season against the Ravens last year, Burrow put together a 500-yard, four-touchdown game, and a 400-yard, three-touchdown game. Jackson played in just one of those two games, but he only had 257 yards and one touchdown.

This season, Jackson has picked up 893 yards on 76-117 passing, which isn’t the most impressive, but he’s been their lead rusher with 316 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also thrown for 11 touchdowns this season. As the NFL’s leader in total touchdowns, Jackson is still putting together a very, very solid season. 

Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t had the most impressive season yet, but coming off a big season, a huge breakout game feels like it’s on the horizon, and this could be the game. He’s caught just 25 of his 41 targets this far into the season. Tee Higgins has only 28 targets, which he’s caught 20 of, and he’s picked up more yards than Chase.

Jackson’s top receiver this season has been tight end Mark Andrews, and he’s gotten the bulk of Jackson’s targets thus far. Rashod Bateman has been the top wide receiver, but he’s got to bring in his targets at a more consistent rate. 

This season, the Ravens’ defense has let up an average of 437.8 yards per game, which may prove costly. The Bengals found their way around the Ravens last season, so the Ravens’ last hope may be QB pressures and sacks on Burrow. If the Ravens’ front line can’t get to Burrow, I like the Bengals at +3. 

Bengals vs. Ravens Pick

• Pick: Bengals +3 (-104) (Bet $104 to win $100)

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