Bengals Blow Past Ravens, Keep AFC North Hopes Alive - But the Road Ahead Is Brutal
The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t just win on Thanksgiving night-they made a statement. With their backs firmly against the wall, they rolled into Baltimore and left with a dominant 32-14 victory over the Ravens. It was a performance that didn’t just keep their season alive-it reignited belief.
And thanks to the Steelers dropping their game, the AFC North suddenly doesn’t look so closed off. The math is still tight, the margin for error even tighter, but for the first time in weeks, the Bengals are back in the playoff conversation.
The Path to the Postseason
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Cincinnati’s path is steep. To even have a shot, they need to run the table and finish 9-8.
That means sweeping the Ravens, who still have two games left against the Steelers, plus matchups with the Packers and Patriots. If Baltimore stumbles just once more, and Pittsburgh doesn’t go on a tear (they’ve got the Dolphins, Browns, and Lions on deck), the door could crack open.
But none of that matters if the Bengals don’t handle their own business. And next up?
The Buffalo Bills. At Highmark Stadium.
In December. Against a team fighting tooth and nail for their own playoff life.
Buffalo Awaits
This isn’t just another game-it’s a must-win for both sides. The Bills are still chasing the AFC East crown, and with the Patriots surprisingly staying in the hunt, every AFC win matters for Buffalo’s wild-card chances. Expect urgency from both sidelines.
The Bengals will need their stars to show up-and stay healthy. Joe Burrow looks locked in, and if Tee Higgins is back in the fold, Cincinnati’s offense has the firepower to put up points in bunches, as they’ve done before against Buffalo.
But the real X-factor? That defense.
The one that just held Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to 14 points in their own building. If that unit travels to Upstate New York, this game becomes a coin flip.
If that was a one-off performance? The Bengals could be in trouble.
So… Do You Believe?
That’s the question every Bengals fan is asking right now. Was Thanksgiving night a turning point-or a final flash before the lights go out?
There’s reason for hope. The Ravens and Steelers aren’t invincible.
Cincinnati’s got momentum. And sometimes, all it takes is one big win to flip a season.
But this is the NFL. Hope’s great-but execution is everything.
Week 13 Takeaways: Bengals Stock Watch
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key performances and trends coming out of Week 13:
- Joe Burrow continues to remind everyone why he’s in the conversation for best pure passer in the league. His pocket presence, timing, and ball placement were on full display against Baltimore. He makes difficult throws look routine.
- Ja’Marr Chase is playing like the best wide receiver in football-and that’s not a hot take anymore. His route-running, hands, and yards-after-catch ability are elite. He’s a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
- Myles Murphy is starting to come into his own. He’s not quite on Trey Hendrickson’s level yet, but his growth is undeniable. The Bengals need someone to step up in Hendrickson’s absence, and Murphy is answering the call.
- DJ Turner might not get the headlines, but his ability to lock down receivers on the outside is changing the way this defense plays up front. When he’s taking away a target, it opens up everything else for the pass rush.
- Jalen Davis is the definition of steady. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, physical, and always ready when his number’s called. It’s surprising he’s spent so much time as a backup-he’s earned more.
- Joseph Ossai just had his best game as a pro. The Bengals need him to build on that performance, especially with the pass rush still trying to find its groove.
Also, watching him try to answer questions while eating turkey? Instant classic.
- Speaking of turkey: For a franchise that’s had more than its fair share of Thanksgiving heartbreak (or irrelevance), watching half the roster enjoy the holiday after a big win was a moment worth savoring-playoffs or not.
- Dalton Risner is quietly becoming a key piece on this offensive line. It might be time to start talking about an extension.
- Chase Brown just notched his sixth straight game with 100+ total yards, setting a new Bengals record. That’s not just good for fantasy teams-it’s been a game-changer for this offense.
- Evan McPherson went 6-for-6 on field goals and tacked on two extra points. With kicks ranging from 24 to 52 yards, he’s quietly been one of the most consistent kickers in the league this year. That kind of reliability is gold in December.
What’s Next
There’s no room for error. The Bengals have to win out, starting with Buffalo. The defense needs to travel, the offense needs to stay sharp, and the stars need to shine.
There’s belief building in Cincinnati. But belief only gets you so far. The Bengals still have to prove it-one game at a time.
And it starts this week, in Buffalo.