The holiday season is a time for eating sweets, but the Ravens aren't sugarcoating their current situation.
Losing their last two games has put the Ravens (6-7) in must-win mode heading into Sunday's road game against the Cincinnati Bengals. A victory would lift Baltimore back to .500 and still in control of its playoff destiny. Ending the regular season with four straight wins would guarantee the Ravens the AFC North title and a playoff spot.
I guess we know what the Ravens want for the holidays.
"We need to turn it on," Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton said. "It's been like that ever since Week 1. It's time that we go out and do it, and there's no excuses that are to be made at this point."
Here are my thoughts on the Ravens heading into Week 15, all in 50 words or less:
- It's hard to believe the Ravens are ranked 30th in the NFL in red zone efficiency with the weapons they have. Sunday's outcome could be determined by what happens once their offense gets inside the 20-yard line. If the Ravens solve their red zone issues, I think they'll win.
- Derrick Henry closed the regular season with a flourish in 2024, averaging 128.5 yards over the last four games. Do you think the Bengals want a heavy dose of trying to tackle Henry when the wind chill factor might be below zero? I expect a strong game from the Ravens' powerful running back.
- Henry averaged six yards per carry against Cincinnati on Thanksgiving night, and it's not like the Ravens didn't move the football. They had 346 yards of total offense, but the five turnovers killed them. Hold onto the football. Finish in the red zone. That's the formula for a W.
- Even after holding Baltimore to 14 points on Thanksgiving, the Bengals still have the NFL's lowest-ranked defense. Their run defense is ranked last. Their pass defense is ranked 31st. The Ravens shouldn't be shut down against Cincinnati unless they stop themselves.
- Baltimore is getting healthier late in the season, which doesn't always happen. Ar'Darius Washington and Tavius Robinson may return against Cincinnati, while star Bengals Tee Higgins (concussion) and Trey Hendrickson (core muscle surgery) are out. Advantage Ravens.
- However, the Bengals won without Higgins on Thanksgiving in Baltimore. Burrow completed passes to nine different teammates, and Higgins' absence could mean that Burrow will target Ja'Marr Chase even more. Baltimore's secondary will have to be on point.
- Chase's success against the Ravens is well documented, but Baltimore held him without a touchdown on Thanksgiving (seven catches, 110 yards). The Ravens need to limit his run-after-the-catch ability again. Once you're chasing Chase in the open field, you may not catch him.
- Travis Jones, who signed a well-deserved contract extension this week, forced a fumble and recovered it against Cincinnati on Thanksgiving night. After getting his bag from the Ravens, I know Jones can't wait to grab some Bengals on Sunday.
- The Bengals must win out to avoid missing the playoffs for a third straight season. Burrow made some reflective comments this week that made people wonder if he's getting restless. Regardless of how he feels, expect Burrow to be at his best on Sunday. He's a fierce competitor.
- Since the start of 2023, Baltimore has the best road record (16-6) in the AFC during the regular season. The Ravens didn't expect to be 6-7, but they've won three straight on the road. Going to Cincinnati in a big spot won't faze them.
