The Ravens have won five straight games, and don't want to lose their winning recipe on Thanksgiving.
Baltimore (6-5) will face the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) at M&T Bank Stadium in a key holiday contest between AFC North rivals. The Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) are tied for the division lead, and every victory is precious with just six weeks left in the regular season.
Playing on a short week presents challenges for both teams, but the Bengals will be boosted by the expected return of Joe Burrow. The franchise quarterback missed nine games after a toe injury in Week 2, and Cincinnati was 1-8 without him. With Burrow back, the Ravens know Cincinnati becomes an even more dangerous opponent.
Here's everything you need to know:
Basics
Kickoff: Thursday, 8:20 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: National TV, NBC; Local TV, WBAL Channel 11 (Baltimore); NBC crew Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Jason Garrett (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM); National Radio, Westwood One Sports. For affiliates in your area, click here.
History
The Ravens lead the all-time regular season series, 32-26, and have won the last four meetings.
They last met on a Thursday night in Week 10 last season, when the Ravens rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter and edged the Bengals, 35-34, in Baltimore. It was a typical high-scoring game between these teams that showcased their offensive firepower.
Lamar Jackson threw four touchdown passes, outdueling Burrow.
In Week 5 last season, Baltimore engaged in another shootout with the Bengals in Cincinnati and escaped with a 41-38 overtime win.
Stakes
A victory would keep the Ravens at least tied for first place in the AFC North heading into their showdown at home against the Steelers in Week 14. A loss would open the door for the Steelers to retake the division lead, pending the outcome of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Cincinnati can snap a four-game losing streak and damage Baltimore's playoff chances. Another loss by the Bengals would continue their disappointing season and spoil Burrow's return.
Storylines to Know
How will Baltimore's rejuvenated defense fare against Cincinnati's high-powered attack?
The Ravens have given up the fewest points in the NFL during their five-game winning streak (13.4 points per game). Ja'Marr Chase has caused the Ravens major problems in the past, as the star receiver had 21 catches, 457 yards, and five touchdowns in two games against Baltimore in 2024. This game will provide further insight into how much Baltimore's defense has improved.
Can Baltimore find its offensive rhythm?
The Ravens have reached 30 points just once since Week 3 and were held to 72 yards of total offense in the first half against the New York Jets. Jackson agrees that the Ravens won't win a Super Bowl unless their offense improves.
"There's going to be some times when we're going against a high-motor offense, and they might score a lot of points, and we're going to have to match those guys," Jackson said. "So, we just have to do our job."
The Bengals have struggled to stop almost every opponent this season, ranking last in the league in nearly every major defensive category. The Ravens' offense could build momentum in this game, but another inconsistent showing would raise more concern.
Will the Ravens continue their home primetime dominance?
Baltimore is 22-4 in home primetime games under Head Coach John Harbaugh, which is the best home primetime record in the NFL over that period. The atmosphere will be electric, and the Ravens hope that energy helps them get past a division rival fueled by Burrow's return.
X-Factor Players
QB Lamar Jackson
Dealing with various injuries this season, Jackson hasn't always been spectacular, but his focus is on reaching the postseason for the seventh time in eight years. Jackson has a 10-1 career record as a starter against the Bengals and hopes to make enough plays to beat them again.
OLB Dre'Mont Jones
Coming off a game in which he had 1.5 sacks, Jones has added physicality to the pass rush and run defense since being acquired in a midseason trade. Burrow's mobility may be hampered, and a strong pass rush from Jones and teammates could make the star quarterback less effective.
CB Nate Wiggins
It takes a team effort to defend Chase, but Wiggins is likely to spend ample time matched against the Bengals' premier receiver. Burrow is willing to challenge any cornerback, especially when Chase is the target. Wiggins already has three interceptions and could have a busy day with an opportunity to make more plays.
