Two strong offences go head-to-head at M&T Bank Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC North grudge match.
After impressing last season, the Ravens are once again being considered as a team that can reach the Super Bowl, with Baltimore’s convincing win over the Denver Broncos last time out moving them to a record of 6-3.
As for the Bengals, they have endured a mixed campaign, showing they are good enough to topple the likes of Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders but coming up short against stronger opposition with defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cincinnati have already tasted the pain of an overtime defeat to the Ravens this season, with a 41-38 defeat at Paycor Stadium last month.
Another high-scoring shootout might well be on the cards this week, as talented quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow prepare to head-to-head once again.
Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals tips
GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET*
Ravens can show their claws
After a shock 29-24 defeat at the Browns, the Ravens looked much more like their old selves with a 41-10 demolition job at home to the Broncos last time out.
Once again Baltimore showed what they are capable of on offence, earning 396 yards and giving away no turnovers against Denver.
The Ravens currently lead the NFL in rushing yards, with the powerful duo of Derrick Henry and Justice Hill enjoying excellent seasons, while QB Jackson is also a threat on the ground.
In contrast, the Bengals have the passing game to hurt teams and that was on full display as they earned a 41-24 win at home to the Raiders last time out.
With scattered showers expected in Baltimore in the lead-up to this game at M&T Bank Stadium, the wet conditions look set to favour the running game and that will play into the hosts’ hands.
While the Bengals managed to push the Ravens all the way when these sides met in Cincinnati last month, this should be a more dominant display from Baltimore on their own patch.
With conditions set to suit the rushing game, the Ravens to cover the -6.5 spread appeals here.
Henry to take some stopping
Leading the league with 1,052 rushing yards this season, Derrick Henry has been an unstoppable force at times this term at running back.
Scoring 11 touchdowns in nine appearances for the Ravens, Henry bagged himself another brace of touchdowns against the Broncos last time out.
With Baltimore to look to their running game in the potentially wet conditions, expect Henry to see plenty of the ball.
With odds of 5/4 for Henry to score over one touchdown against the Bengals, look to the Ravens star to add at least a couple more TDs to his growing collection this week.
All odds correct at time of writing
talkSPORT BET Canada
talkSPORT BET is now live in Canada!
Following on from our success in the UK & Ireland, we have now launched in Canada.
All residents outside of Ontario can now sign up and bet with talkSPORT BET.
Bet $10 at odds of +100 and get triple your returns up to $300! – CLAIM HERE
T&Cs: 19+ New customers only. Opt in, bet max $10 on any sport single in 7 days, at odds +100 or greater. If it wins we Triple (x3) your returns, up to $300 in Free Bets, expires in 7 days. T&Cs apply, click for T&Cs. Responsiblegambling.org | Please gamble responsibly
GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH TALKSPORT BET*
*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 4x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
