Given the fact that the Baltimore Ravens have been perennial AFC contenders for decades, while the Cincinnati Bengals have only recently re-emerged from a lengthy period of mediocrity, it might surprise you to learn that Baltimore has only won two more meetings in the rivalry than the Bengals have. Last year, it was the Bengals who had the upper hand, sweeping the series and winning the AFC North title, en route to a playoff run that would not end until a loss in the Super Bowl to the Los Angeles Rams. This year, both teams sit at 2-2, but both Ravens losses have involved giving up huge leads, once to Miami and the other time to Buffalo. The Bengals started with disappointing losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas before righting the ship the last two weeks. Which team will win on Sunday night? Check out our NFL betting preview.
NFL Preview: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
(Sunday, October 9)
When: Sunday, October 9, 2022, 8:20 pm ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: NBC
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: Sling TV
NFL Odds: Baltimore -3.5 / O/U 48 // Baltimore -180 / Cincinnati +152
Why should you bet on the Bengals?
Cincinnati’s win in Week 3 came against the Jets, so it was more of an expectation than an accomplishment, but the Week 4 win over Miami was more impressive. The Bengals won, 27-15, with their defense shutting down a Dolphin offense that had been torching teams. The Dolphins did lose Tua Tagovailoa to the concussion protocol just before halftime, but the Bengals then shut down Teddy Bridgewater running the offense, and Bridgewater has had plenty of success in this league.
Last year, Cincinnati demolished the Ravens in Baltimore, 41-17, and in the rematch in Week 17, Cincinnati won, 41-21, throwing for 525 yards. Ja’Marr Chase caught eight passes for 201 yards in the first game, while Tee Higgins had a dozen catches for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the second. Higgins had 124 receiving yards last week. The Baltimore defense is currently ranked #30 (of 32), permitting 425 yards per game. If the Bengals’ passing attack is back, like it seems to be, this could be another long night for Baltimore.
Why should you put your money on the Ravens?
The Baltimore offense has been productive; even in the loss to Miami, the Ravens still scored 38 points. They hung 37 on New England in Week 3, but then they ran out of juice against Buffalo, allowing a 20-3 lead to turn into a 23-20 loss. The Ravens are #12 in offensive yardage, gaining 359.3 yards per contest. Lamar Jackson has accounted for over 80% of those yards, running for 316 yards and passing for 893 more. In prime time games at home under coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have won in 18 of 20 tries.
Tailback J.K. Dobbins is back for the Ravens, and he made his presence felt last week despite the setback. He ran 20 times for 64 yards, and this Bengals team is slightly better than average on defense, ranked #11 in yards permitted (327.5). If you like the Ravens, you see them shoring up the problems in the secondary and controlling the rhythm of the game.
Final Score and Prediction
I think the Ravens are probably due for a complete game, but I also think that the Bengals are starting to click on both sides of the ball. I predict a final score of Cincinnati 30, Baltimore 27.
NFL Betting Odds
Love betting NFL football? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NFL lines
