As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23, 2023, both teams find themselves at critical junctures in their seasons. The Ravens, with a record of 6-5, are tied for first place in the AFC North, while the Bengals sit at 3-8. This matchup at M&T Bank Stadium represents a pivotal moment for both franchises, with the Ravens seeking to solidify their playoff position and the Bengals aiming to play spoiler.
Ravens Passing Game vs. Bengals Pass Defense
At the heart of the Ravens’ offense is quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time Most Valuable Player. Despite his accolades, Jackson has faced challenges this season, including injuries that have affected his performance. He is currently dealing with a toe issue, adding to concerns about his health after previously missing time with ankle and knee injuries. Jackson’s rushing numbers have declined, and he has been sacked more frequently than last year.
The Bengals’ pass defense could offer Jackson some relief, as they currently rank among the worst in the league. According to Aaron Schatz from FTN, their defense-adjusted value over average is the lowest in NFL history. This could provide Jackson the opportunity to regain his form, as he looks to lead the Ravens to victory.
Bengals Passing Game vs. Ravens Pass Defense
On the other side, the Bengals are set to welcome back quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been sidelined for several weeks. His return coincides with the lifting of Ja’Marr Chase‘s one-game suspension, making the duo a formidable challenge for the Ravens. In their previous matchup in Baltimore, Chase contributed significantly with 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Despite Burrow’s absence, the Ravens have maintained a strong pass defense, limiting opponents to fewer than 20 points over a six-game stretch. This matchup against Burrow and Chase promises to be one of their toughest tests yet.
Ravens Running Game vs. Bengals Run Defense
The Ravens’ running game, led by Derrick Henry, has been inconsistent this season. Statistics from NextGenStats indicate that Henry has been contacted behind the line of scrimmage on over 50% of his carries, a rate that ranks among the highest in the league. Despite this, Henry has managed to excel in gaining yards after contact.
Conversely, the Bengals’ run defense has struggled, ranking last in the league for contacting opposing running backs behind the line of scrimmage. This discrepancy could lead to a significant workload for Henry, who might find success against a vulnerable Bengals defense.
Bengals Running Game vs. Ravens Run Defense
Bengals running back Chase Brown is on the verge of making history. If he achieves at least 100 yards from scrimmage in this game, he will become the first player in Bengals history to accomplish this feat in six consecutive games. While Brown has faced challenges in the running game, he has shown versatility as a pass catcher, which could be crucial against the Ravens.
Baltimore’s defense has allowed several prominent running backs to excel in recent games, indicating that Brown could also find opportunities to contribute significantly in this matchup.
Special Teams and Intangibles
In the special teams department, the Ravens have consistently performed well, with punter Jordan Stout asserting their dominance. Baltimore boasts a reliable kicker and punter, along with promising young players contributing to their return game. In contrast, Cincinnati has struggled in this area, which could impact field position during the game.
The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate the AFC North standings. The Ravens are determined to maintain their place in the playoff race, while the Bengals aim to disrupt their rivals’ ambitions. As both teams approach this critical game, the outcome could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.
In a surprising turn of events, both Jackson and Burrow are expected to be healthy enough to play, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Predictions suggest a close game, with some analysts favoring Cincinnati by a narrow margin. As the Ravens look to extend their winning streak, they will need to harness their offensive capabilities to withstand the Bengals’ attempts to spoil their playoff hopes.
