Updated prediction for Ravens vs. Bengals has Baltimore running wild

The Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon. This will be both teams’ first divisional matchup of the season, and both are coming off impressive wins. The Ravens dominated the Buffalo Bills 35-10, while the Bengals picked up a 34-24 victory over the struggling Carolina Panthers.

For the Ravens, this game offers a chance to climb back over .500 after an early 0-2 start. On the other hand, the Bengals find themselves in a must-win situation at 1-3, desperately needing to avoid another early-season loss.

Cincinnati is, unfortunately, familiar with this position, having started 1-3 last season. While they finished 9-8, their slow start kept them out of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Baltimore is riding high, looking like one of the league’s top teams. Running back Derrick Henry is on a tear, racking up 350 yards and three touchdowns over the last two games. He leads the league in rushing yards this season and looks like he will literally run away with the lead this season. With the Bengals’ struggling run defense, expect Henry to be a key factor again.

Ravens vs. Bengals prediction: Baltimore runs away with victory over Cincinnati

The Bengals’ defensive line has struggled mightily, both against the run and the pass. Cincinnati ranks 31st in run stop win rate (28.5%) and sacks per dropback (3.8%), contributing to their status as one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

Injuries to key players—starters Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) and BJ Hill (hamstring), along with rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. (thumb) and McKinnley Jackson (knee)—have played a role in these issues. Still, the Bengals need significantly more production from their defensive front to turn things around.

The Ravens should have no problem running all over this Bengals defense. Cincinnati has already been gashed by the likes of Rhamondre Stevenson, Isaiah Pacheco, and Chuba Hubbard. With all due respect to those players, Derrick Henry is in a different league and will be a major headache for Cincinnati. Expect the Ravens to lean heavily on the run early and often to set the tone and get ahead of the Bengals.

On the defensive side, Baltimore is stepping up, and they’ll need to continue that momentum against a Bengals offense ranked in the top 10 in scoring. While Joe Burrow remains a threat, Cincinnati feels the absence of key players like Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd, who left in free agency and traded this offseason. They won't have enough mojo to score on this rejuvenated Ravens defense.

Though the Bengals are putting points on the board, they haven’t faced elite competition. Look for the Ravens’ defense to take control and help secure a much-needed win for Baltimore.

First prediction: Ravens win 38-10

Our updated prediction two days out from kickoff sees the Ravens winning 38-10 over the Bengals. Some predicted game highlights are as follows:

• Ravens will rush for over 225 yards
• Ravens defense will force at least one turnover
• Roger Rosengarten will have another great game at right tackle
• Ravens defense will hold Joe Burrow to under 225 passing yards

More Ravens news and analysis