As the 2024 NFL season continues, Week 5 features an exhilarating Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals matchup. The Ravens have a record of 2 wins and 2 losses and are on a two-game winning streak. Their offense is doing really well, leading the league with an average of 6.8 yards per play.
Historically, the Ravens have usually beaten the Bengals, winning three out of the last four games. On the other hand, the Bengals are struggling this season, with a record of 1 win and 3 losses. They just got their first win against the Carolina Panthers, so they need to keep winning to have a chance at the playoffs.
This much-anticipated game will take place on October 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Paramount+ is available on any devi for in-market viewing, while NFL+ is restricted to mobile access.
Out-of-market viewers can subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket. Internationally, NFL Game Pass International provides live coverage of all preseason and regular-season games outside the U.S., Canada, and China, along with additional content such as NFL RedZone and NFL Network 24/7.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Probable Line-Up And Best Bets
Looking at the expected starting lineups, the Ravens will likely have Lamar Jackson as a quarterback, Derrick Henry as a running back, Zay Flowers as a wide receiver, Mark Andrews as a tight end, and Ronnie Stanley as a left tackle.
The Bengals are expected to start Burrow at quarterback, Zack Moss at running back, Ja’Marr Chase at wide receiver, Mike Gesicki at tight end, and Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle.
The Ravens are slight favorites, with a betting line of -2.5, and the total points for the game are at 49.5. Experts expect a close game, with predicted scores like 27-21 and 26-24 in favor of Baltimore. The Ravens have also been good at covering the spread in their recent games against the Bengals, winning four out of five.
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For betting, Baltimore’s strong road performance and Cincinnati’s struggles on defense make betting on the Ravens to cover a spread of +1.5 a good option. Also, with the potential for a high-scoring game, betting on over 49.5 points is appealing.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Key Players To Watch Out For
A key matchup for the Ravens will be between Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Jackson has played four games this season, completing 72 of 108 passes with a completion rate of 66.7%. He has 858 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, giving him a passer rating of 102.3.
As a dual-threat quarterback, his ability to extend plays and make important throws will be crucial against the Bengals’ defense. Derrick Henry has rushed for 480 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, which helps the Ravens control the game and create opportunities for Jackson.
For the Bengals, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are a strong pair. Burrow has also played four games, completing 95 of 134 passes with a completion rate of 70.8%. He has 978 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception, with a passer rating of 105.9.
Burrow has shown he can bounce back from early struggles and has built a strong connection with his receivers. Chase has accumulated 300 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns so far this season, and his speed is important for taking advantage of any weaknesses in the Ravens’ defense.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Injury Update Before The Game
Injury reports show that player availability may be important for both teams. For the Ravens, defensive tackle Michael Pierce is practicing fully. Still, cornerback Arthur Maulet, linebacker Chris Board, offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees, and defensive end Brent Urban are limited due to injuries.
On the Bengals’ side, quarterback Joe Burrow is practicing fully despite a wrist injury. However, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Germaine Pratt have limited participation and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins did not practice, which could affect Cincinnati’s defense.
Fans expect this Week 5 game to be exciting, as both teams aim for important wins in their division early in the season. With Cincinnati’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, they need to step up their game against a strong Ravens team.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ After Week 4 Games Of The 2024 Season