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Game Preview Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Baltimore Ravens on December 14, 2025, in a high-stakes AFC North battle that could determine the division. With both teams in playoff contention, this primetime-style matchup has major implications, not only for seeding but for potential tiebreakers.
Baltimore enters with one of the league’s top defenses and an MVP-caliber season from Lamar Jackson, while Cincinnati is finding momentum late, leaning on Joe Burrow’s poise and elite receiving weapons. The Ravens won the first meeting earlier in the season, but the Bengals are 4-1 in their last five and peaking at the right time.
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Odds and Key Information
The Ravens opened as 3.5-point home favorites, and the total is set at 46. Early betting action slightly favors the under, anticipating a slower, more physical divisional matchup. Sharp money is hitting both sides, indicating strong opinions on both the Ravens’ defensive dominance and Cincinnati’s playoff surge.
Learn how pros bet high-leverage divisional games in our complete NFL expert betting guide, especially late in the year.
Cincinnati Bengals Outlook
The Cincinnati Bengals are finally healthy and finding their rhythm. Joe Burrow is back in sync with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and the run game has improved in efficiency thanks to better offensive line play. Cincinnati averages 25.6 points per game over its last five and has converted on over 47% of third downs during that stretch.
Defensively, the Bengals are opportunistic. They rank top five in red zone takeaways and have generated at least one turnover in seven straight games. Still, they’ve struggled against mobile quarterbacks—something that could be exploited by Baltimore’s dual-threat system.
Looking to back Bengals players in futures markets? See our breakdown of NFL MVP betting odds to track Burrow’s trajectory.
Baltimore Ravens Outlook
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Lamar Jackson has returned to MVP form, balancing passing efficiency with rushing explosiveness. Baltimore leads the league in time of possession and rushing yards per game.
Defensively, they’ve allowed the fewest touchdowns in the AFC and are top three in sacks. The secondary, bolstered by strong safety play, has been especially stingy on third downs. Baltimore thrives when playing with a lead, forcing teams to become one-dimensional and feeding their pass rush.
Want deeper insights on Jackson’s MVP campaign? Check our updated forecast in the NFL MVP race.
Key Matchup
The core of this battle is Cincinnati’s passing attack versus Baltimore’s elite defense. If the Ravens generate pressure without blitzing, they’ll disrupt Burrow’s timing and limit big plays. But if the Bengals’ O-line holds, Chase and Higgins could stretch the field vertically and shift momentum.
On offense, Jackson’s ability to extend plays will be critical. Cincinnati must play disciplined contain defense and tackle well in space—something they’ve struggled with against dynamic quarterbacks like Jackson in past meetings.
Want matchup-based betting edges? Check out this week’s NFL prop bet preview for passing yards, QB rushing, and TD scorers.
Betting Trends
The Bengals are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games and 5-2 ATS on the road this season. The Ravens are 6-1 straight up at home but just 3-4 ATS in those contests. The under has hit in four of the last six meetings between these two teams, with both defenses rising to the occasion.
Track betting signals and ATS movement in our weekly NFL picks blog for more divisional trend breakdowns.
Prediction
This is one of the closest matchups on the Week 15 slate. Baltimore has the home-field edge, the more consistent defense, and the league’s most dangerous quarterback in Lamar Jackson. But Cincinnati is hot, healthy, and historically plays the Ravens tough—especially when Burrow is in rhythm.
Expect a tight game decided by turnovers and red zone efficiency. Baltimore’s defensive line and game control give them the edge late.
Final prediction: Ravens 24, Bengals 21
Spread Pick: Bengals +3.5
Total Lean: Under 46
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Why You Need Expert Picks
In elite matchups like this, every half-point matters. Understanding pace, pressure rates, and team motivation is crucial. That’s why expert picks backed by analytics make the difference in close spreads and low-total games.
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Want future plays tied to this result? Don’t miss our coverage of who makes the NFL playoffs, Coach of the Year odds, and Super Bowl favorites.
