Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals Picks and Predictions November 27th 2025

Game Preview: Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

Joe Burrow returns from a toe injury as the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, adding intrigue to an AFC North matchup featuring two teams on opposite trajectories. Baltimore enters at 6-5 after handling the Jets, while Cincinnati sits at 3-8 and has lost eight of its last nine. Opening odds listed Baltimore at -7 with a total of 52.0, reflecting the potential for another shootout after these teams combined for 149 points in two games last season. This divisional clash adds to a strong NFL Week 13 slate outlined across league previews on ScoresAndStats.

Burrow emphasized that he wouldn’t sit out while healthy despite widespread debate over risk versus reward. Lamar Jackson is also managing a toe issue but insisted he feels ready after helping close out a crucial win last week. With cold temperatures and overcast skies expected in Baltimore, offensive execution and ball security could shape pace early.

Odds and Key Information

Baltimore remains a steady 7-point favorite with bettors slightly leaning toward Cincinnati after confirmation that Burrow would start. The Ravens’ moneyline sits in the -329 range, with Cincinnati at +263. The total of 52.0 has drawn interest from over bettors due to recent scoring patterns and Cincinnati’s defensive struggles.

Coaches addressed concerns around quarterback health and offensive rhythm. Cincinnati noted that Burrow’s rehab progressed cleanly and that he would operate the full playbook. Baltimore highlighted Jackson’s command in late-game scenarios despite recent statistical dips. These factors have tightened projections, although Baltimore’s defensive consistency remains a key separator in market sentiment.

Cincinnati Bengals Outlook

Cincinnati’s offense immediately becomes more dangerous with Burrow returning, even if timing may take a few series to settle. The Bengals still possess one of the league’s most explosive passing profiles; last year’s 4,640 passing yards ranked first in the NFL. With Ja’Marr Chase back after a one-game suspension, Cincinnati’s vertical threat reopens. Chase produced 457 yards and five touchdowns against Baltimore last season, demonstrating how critical he is in this matchup.

The run game showed life behind Chase Brown’s 107 yards last week, although overall consistency remains limited. The real issue lies on defense. Cincinnati ranks last in scoring defense at 32.7 points per game and dead last in total defense at 415.8 yards allowed. Key absences such as Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson and Tahj Brooks increase pressure on an already strained unit, and more details on depth concerns can be seen in the Bengals injury report heading into Thursday.

For Cincinnati to stay competitive, Burrow must avoid negative plays and sustain drives that protect the defense from prolonged exposure. Their best chance lies in creating explosive pass plays early and maintaining tempo.

Baltimore Ravens Outlook

Baltimore’s offense flows through its ground attack. Derrick Henry continues to provide power and efficiency, including two touchdowns in last week’s win over the Jets. The Ravens led the league with 3,189 rushing yards last season, and their heavy reliance on gap concepts has remained steady. Lamar Jackson may be nursing a toe issue, but his mobility remains a schematic advantage even when limited.

Jackson’s passing production has dipped, failing to reach 200 yards in three straight games. Still, John Harbaugh emphasized his late-game performance and ball security, noting that the narrative around Jackson overlooks the drives he has executed in fourth quarters. Baltimore will look to leverage Cincinnati’s vulnerable defense, especially in intermediate zones where the Bengals give up frequent chunk gains.

Defensively, the Ravens sit near the top of the league in sacks, and their rotation under Steve Spagnuolo excels at creating disruption through layered pressure packages. With the Bengals missing multiple offensive linemen, Baltimore’s edge and interior matchups appear favorable. The status of Kyle Hamilton, who returned to practice after an ankle scare, can be monitored in the Ravens injury report as Baltimore finalizes its defensive plan.

Key Matchup Table

Category	Cincinnati Bengals	Baltimore Ravens
Record	3-8	6-5
Points Allowed	32.7 PPG (last)	Strong pass-rush unit
Total Defense	415.8 YPG allowed (last)	Top-tier sack production (2nd)
QB Situation	Burrow returns from toe surgery	Jackson managing toe injury
Passing Weapons	Chase projected 88.1 yards	Henry + Jackson ground control
Run Game	Chase Brown emerging	Henry projected 94.7 rushing yards
Explosive Play History	457 yards vs BAL last season (Chase)	Historically strong late-game drives

Betting Trends

Baltimore has won five straight games in 2025 and is undefeated as a favorite during that stretch. They have also hit the over in six of their last eight home games, a product of pace and red-zone efficiency. Cincinnati has gone over in seven of its last ten, driven by defensive breakdowns and elevated second-half pass rates. The Bengals have also leaned to the over in four of six games as underdogs this season.

Baltimore’s momentum after wins is notable—they are 4-0 straight-up following victories this year. Bettors can compare situational trends around the league by reviewing the broader numbers through the NFL scores and odds page, which tracks weekly movement and opening-to-current line shifts.

The Lean

Burrow’s return boosts Cincinnati’s ceiling, but Baltimore’s defensive front and rushing identity create matchup advantages that the Bengals may struggle to counter. Cincinnati’s defensive profile makes it difficult to trust them in high-leverage moments, though their offense should keep the game competitive. The Ravens hold the higher stability rating, but situationally the number leans toward the underdog covering.

Projected Score: Baltimore Ravens 28, Cincinnati Bengals 24
Best Bet: Bengals +7
Total Lean: Over 52.0

For more contextual comparison across the Thanksgiving slate, the NFL previews section offers additional matchup breakdowns that highlight pace, injury impacts and situational tendencies similar to this game.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Thanksgiving games draw some of the highest public handle, increasing the importance of identifying sharp sides and avoiding inflated numbers. The Handicappers Leaderboard at ScoresAndStats, found naturally within the expert picks section, provides verified performance standings and model-driven projections to help bettors locate value. These tools weigh injury context, matchup leverage and trend modeling, factors particularly relevant here with Burrow and Jackson both managing injuries.

For further guidance across football and other major sports, bettors can reference structured insights available in the expert betting guide, helping translate analytics into actionable plays across spreads, totals and player markets.