The NFL playoffs have arrived with Wild Card Weekend, but not every matchup is fresh or unusual. The familiarity the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have with each other should only add to the intensity of their playoff game, though. The Ravens have made the playoffs despite a lengthy absence of quarterback Lamar Jackson, while the Bengals will feel they have a statement to make as the defending AFC champions. Our expert has picks, predictions and best bets for this crucial Ravens vs Bengals matchup.
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NFL Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals expert predictions
This would have been one of the games of the weekend if Lamar Jackson was able to make his return after a knee injury, but that has looked increasingly likely as the week has worn on. Tyler Huntley now seems most likely to start for Baltimore, as he has done for most of the last month or so, with Anthony Brown and Brett Hundley the team’s other options. The Ravens got in as a wild-card team with a 10-7 record, but rather backed into the playoffs, losing 3 of their last 4 games with Jackson on the sidelines.
The Bengals, by contrast, are one of the hottest teams in the league. After shaking off a slow 2-3 start to the year, they have won 8 straight games, including a 27-16 win over the Ravens just last week, which avoided the need for the venue of this game to be decided by a coin flip. Cincinnati will be keen to get through this first playoff test without too many issues, but looking too far ahead to possible matchups with the Bills and Chiefs could lead to trouble.
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals spread, odds & betting lines
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Point spread: Ravens +9, Bengals -9
Total points over/under: 40.5 points
Money line odds: Ravens +360, Bengals -450
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Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals expert picks
We’ve got 2 standout NFL picks for the clash between the Ravens and Bengals.
Ravens vs Bengals point spread pick: Ravens +9 (-110)
There are a lot of unusual circumstances surrounding this Ravens-Bengals Wild Card matchup. Most of that surrounds Lamar Jackson, who hasn’t played in 6 weeks and, as of the writing of this handicap, hasn’t practiced this week either. The fact that the line has moved much higher than its original -6.5 tells me oddsmakers are anticipating that Jackson won’t play. These teams met just last week in Week 18, where Ravens head coach John Harbaugh rested several key starters. Still, they were able to make a game of it, despite falling behind 24-7 at halftime and having 3rd-string quarterback Anthony Brown under center. The expectation is that Tyler Huntley will start for Baltimore if and when Jackson is officially ruled out.
The Bengals have been firing on all cylinders since Week 3. After their 0-2 start, they’ve lost only twice more. Cincinnati is in the top 5 for EPA per play on offense and defense for the season. Three of the Bengals’ 4 losses have come by a combined 8 points. The Ravens’ offense has gone cold over the last 6 weeks, averaging just 13 points per game, and they have just the 22nd-ranked pass defense on the road this season. That could mean a big day for both Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The Ravens were just 2-4 ATS in the division this season. Harbaugh is one of the best preparation coaches in the league, and maybe he got a few nuggets from the Bengals in the Week 18 matchup that he needs to a least keep this close. The best chance to back the Bengals has gone and as the number continues to rise, it’s Ravens or pass.
Be sure to check out our full Ravens vs Bengals predictions
Ravens vs Bengals over/under totals pick: Over 40.5 (-110)
Given these teams are AFC North division rivals, you’d expect a lower total than most games, and you’ve got it. In the teams’ first meeting, the total stayed under as the Ravens won a tight game 19-17. The Week 18 game had a posted total of 39, but the Ravens then rested several starters and even backup Tyler Huntley didn’t play. Much of this total is about how many the Bengals can score against the Ravens’ defense.
The Ravens’ offense is now stagnant without Jackson, averaging just 13 points per game. If the Ravens can score 17, this total could get over. I expect the Ravens to be prepared and do enough on offense, but I also expect that the Bengals will be able to get to the mid-to-high 20s. The total has gone over in 4 of the last 5 games when Baltimore has played in Cincinnati and this one could do the same.
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Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals expert predictions
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