Whenever the Baltimore Ravens face the Cincinnati Bengals, the agenda is obvious: don’t let the Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins trio run wild. They’ll ruin your day if they catch fire.
That puts immense pressure on Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey. They’re Baltimore’s top two cornerbacks and will be patrolling the boundary. You want to earn your money? There isn’t a better chance to prove yourselves than squaring off against those two with Burrow throwing them perfect balls.
Both Wiggins and Humphrey have played well to start the year, and the defense is coming off its best game of the season. However, they need to give more — they need to look like stars.
Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey have to be on their A game in Week 7
No one’s expecting Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey to shut down Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Erasing that duo is borderline impossible. You can try to limit them to make it a winnable game, though.
Wiggins and Humphrey have the talent. Wiggins was a 2024 first-round pick, and Humphrey signed a five-year, $97.5 million contract for a reason. Each is also enjoying bounce-back campaigns under Jesse Minter’s tutelage.
So far, Wiggins is posting a 68.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, while Humphrey is at a 71.4.
That doesn’t mean they haven’t been dominated this year. Chris Olave did all the damage in the world in Week 2, and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens had a field day on Baltimore’s secondary in Week 3. Chase and Higgins could give them much of the same issues.
Obviously their teammates have faith in them, though. Notably, Trenton Simpson spoke about his belief in Wiggins and Humphrey in such an important matchup.
Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson on the matchup between Baltimore's CBs vs. Bengals WRs: "This is the game where you challenge Ja'Marr Chase, you challenge Tee Higgins. And I like our guys. I love Nate Wiggins and I love Marlon Humphrey. And I believe that those are the two guys…
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 21, 2026
If they can turn a big Week 6 defensive performance into a hot streak, the Ravens' chances should be pretty strong.
Operation limit Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Wiggins and Humphrey will have their hands full all day. The Bengals offense can go off in the blink of an eye.
Chase poses the biggest problem. While he and Burrow have yet to find that explosive connection in 2026, the 26-year-old remains one of the top receivers in the game. And of course, he’s ready to have his statement game season against the Ravens. He always does.
Over Chase's career, he has 75 receptions, 1,204 yards, and 8 touchdowns when playing Baltimore. That insane stat line includes six 100+ yard games, two of which were 200+. He simply has this defense’s number.
So yeah, all eyes should be on Chase. But in the same breath, you can’t take your eyes off Higgins. He’s an extremely dangerous playmaker, too.
Actually, in 2026, Higgins is the guy doing the most damage. He’s up to 27 receptions, 423 yards, and a touchdown on the year. In Week 4, he played one of the best games of his career, wrecking the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense for 11 receptions and 157 yards.
Pair the two together, and you have a wide receiver duo made in heaven. Hands, physicality, explosiveness; they have it all.
To win those matchups, Minter should let Wiggins and Humphrey unleash their physicality. That’s what makes both of them special, but they often play zone coverage well off the line of scrimmage. If you give Chase and Higgins that space, they’ll eat it up and take advantage. The coverage must be more physical.
Baltimore Ravens will need their defense more than ever
As a whole, Baltimore will look to the defense to step up. It’s likely Tyler Huntley will be the one suiting up on Sunday. Sure, Lamar Jackson was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, but that was his first action in 17 days, and he didn’t even suit up for real reps.
If it is indeed Huntley, Wiggins, Humphrey, and others have to be at their best. The 28-year-old quarterback has proven capable; just not capable enough to lead a dangerous offense on his own. If the rushing attack and screen game don’t work, Huntley may wither under pressure.
When it’s Cincinnati week, it’s usually a shootout. This Sunday, it can’t be that. Wiggins and Humphrey will play a huge role in ensuring the Ravens stay in the game.
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