Bengals vs. Ravens: Cold Weather, Playoff Stakes, and a Whole Lot of Physical Football
The Cincinnati Bengals are bracing for another icy showdown-this time at home. After battling the snow in Buffalo, they’ll now face the Baltimore Ravens with the temperature expected to top out at a frigid 15 degrees on Sunday.
But the cold won’t be the only thing biting. At 4-9, the Bengals are staring down playoff elimination, and a loss to their division rivals could be the final nail.
Still, they’ve got a little recent history on their side-Cincinnati rolled to a 32-14 win over Baltimore just a few weeks ago on Thanksgiving night.
Now, with both teams meeting for the second time in three weeks, let’s break down what to watch for in this AFC North rematch.
1. When the Bengals Have the Ball: Burrow’s Battle Without Higgins
The Bengals’ offense is once again without wide receiver Tee Higgins, who’s back in concussion protocol after showing symptoms earlier this week. He missed the first matchup with Baltimore too, but that didn’t stop Cincinnati from putting up 32 points in one of their more complete offensive performances of the season.
Joe Burrow, still working his way back from a turf toe injury that required surgery, has looked solid in his return-though the final eight minutes against Buffalo last week were rough. Back-to-back interceptions, including a pick-six, derailed what had been a steady outing.
Burrow made headlines this week with some cryptic comments about personal and football-related issues, followed by visible frustration during Wednesday’s press conference. But Ja’Marr Chase quickly downplayed the drama, saying his quarterback is still locked in and ready to go.
Baltimore’s defense hasn’t been as sharp lately. After a rough start to the season-allowing over 35 points per game through the first five weeks-the Ravens turned things around midseason.
They held opponents under 20 points per game across a six-game stretch before running into the Bengals on Thanksgiving. Since then, the unit has been inconsistent.
Last week, they shut down the Steelers' run game, holding them to just 34 yards on the ground, but gave up 284 passing yards and a touchdown to Aaron Rodgers in a 27-22 loss.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor knows this Ravens defense is no joke.
“They’re really good,” Taylor said. “Veteran group, really smart.
You can see the communication on the back end. Nothing comes easy against them.”
Baltimore’s pass rush hasn’t been dominant-just 19 sacks on the season, third fewest in the league-but their linebacker duo of Teddye Buchanan and Roquan Smith brings toughness and sideline-to-sideline speed. Rookie safety Malaki Starks has made an immediate impact next to Kyle Hamilton, who continues to impress with his versatility and football IQ.
Cornerback Nate Wiggins leads the team with three interceptions, while Marlon Humphrey adds another pick, a fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles. The secondary’s ball-hawking ability will be something to watch, especially with Burrow looking to bounce back from last week’s late-game miscues.
2. When the Bengals Are on Defense: All Eyes on the Run Game
If the Bengals want to stay alive in the playoff race, it starts with slowing down Baltimore’s run game-a tall order for a defense that’s giving up a league-worst 155.5 rushing yards per game.
In the first meeting, Lamar Jackson never found his rhythm, but he remains a constant threat with his legs and arm. Add in Derrek Henry, who’s already over 1,000 yards with 10 touchdowns, and you’ve got one of the most dangerous backfields in football. Baltimore currently ranks third in the league in rushing offense, and they’re not shy about leaning into that identity.
Jackson has chipped in 307 rushing yards and two scores of his own, and while the Ravens sit 13th in scoring offense (23.9 points per game), they’re more than capable of controlling a game on the ground.
Zay Flowers has emerged as Jackson’s go-to target with 891 receiving yards, though he’s only found the end zone once. Tight end Mark Andrews, however, remains a major red zone threat with five touchdowns and 341 yards. That’s particularly concerning for a Bengals defense that’s struggled to contain tight ends all season.
Taylor acknowledged the defense has made strides against the run in recent weeks but knows the challenge Baltimore presents is different.
“We’ve been better against the run these last couple weeks,” Taylor said. “But some teams are using that to hit us with hard play-action and slipping tight ends behind the linebackers.
We’ve had some good reps, but we’ve also given up some explosives. We’ve got to be better.”
Turnovers helped Cincinnati dominate the first meeting-they forced five of them-but counting on that kind of defensive performance again is risky. This time around, the defense will need to be more disciplined and fundamentally sound, especially in the trenches and at the second level.
3. Injury Watch: Bengals Missing Key Pieces Again
The Bengals will be without Tee Higgins again this Sunday. After playing in his first game back from a previous concussion, he reported symptoms the following morning and was placed back in protocol. It’s a tough blow for an offense already missing a vertical threat.
Defensive end Shemar Stewart is listed as doubtful after returning to practice Wednesday. He’s in the 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve but hasn’t yet been added to the 53-man roster.
Special teams standout and safety PJ Jules didn’t practice all week due to an ankle injury and is also expected to miss the game.
On the Ravens’ side, wide receiver Rashod Bateman popped up on the injury report Thursday with an ankle issue. He didn’t practice Friday. Mark Andrews, dealing with a glute injury, was limited Thursday but managed to get some work in Friday.
What’s at Stake
For Cincinnati, it’s win or likely go home. A loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention. But if they can replicate the formula from Thanksgiving-limit the turnovers, force a few of their own, and keep Burrow upright-they’ve got a shot to keep their season alive.
For Baltimore, it’s about bouncing back from a tough loss, tightening up defensively, and keeping pace in a competitive AFC playoff picture.
It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be physical, and it’s going to be very AFC North. Buckle up.