AFC North Still Up for Grabs as Ravens and Bengals Clash in Crucial Week 15 Showdown
The AFC North was supposed to be a gauntlet this season - a division loaded with top-tier defenses, dynamic quarterbacks, and playoff-level intensity from top to bottom. But as we hit Week 15, the script hasn’t exactly followed expectations. Instead of a runaway leader or a tightly packed race among elite teams, we’ve got a division where no one has truly separated themselves - and that’s left the door wide open for both the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
Yes, both teams are below .500. The Ravens sit at 6-7, while the Bengals have stumbled to 4-9.
Injuries, particularly under center, have played a major role. Baltimore’s been hampered by inconsistency and health issues, and Cincinnati has struggled to find rhythm since Joe Burrow’s return from injury.
But here’s the twist: the division-leading Steelers are only 7-6. That means the AFC North is still very much in play - and Sunday’s Ravens-Bengals matchup just became one of the most important games of the week.
A Must-Win for Both - Especially Cincinnati
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the loser of this game is probably done. For the Bengals, a loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention.
At 4-9, they’re already walking a tightrope, and anything short of a win here would snap it entirely. The Ravens have a bit more breathing room, but not much.
Dropping to 6-8 in a crowded AFC would be a massive blow to their postseason hopes.
That’s what makes this matchup so compelling. It’s not just a divisional rivalry - it’s a playoff elimination game in disguise.
Round 2: Bengals Took the First Meeting
This is the second time these two teams are meeting this season. Cincinnati got the better of Baltimore back on Thanksgiving night, a game that marked Joe Burrow’s return to the lineup.
The Bengals came out with energy and precision in that one, and the Ravens couldn’t keep pace. But that was then.
This time, the stakes are even higher, and both teams know exactly what’s on the line.
Where to Watch: Ravens vs. Bengals Broadcast Info
Sunday’s game will air on CBS, with Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta on the call. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
ET. If you're in the local markets - Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C., and parts of Virginia - you’ll get the game on your local CBS affiliate.
For fans outside those areas, the matchup might not be on your TV unless you’ve got a streaming setup.
For those watching online, both Paramount+ and Fubo will carry the game. Fubo also offers a free trial for new users, which is a solid option for fans trying to catch the action without a cable subscription.
Week 15 Early Window Coverage Map
According to the national broadcast map, the country will be split into four CBS games during the early window. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Green: Ravens vs. Bengals
- Red: Patriots vs. Bills
- Blue: Chiefs vs. Chargers
- Yellow: Jets vs. Jaguars
So depending on your region, you may be watching a different AFC battle unless you’re in one of the Ravens-Bengals markets.
Full Week 15 NFL TV Schedule
Here’s how the rest of the NFL slate looks for Week 15:
Thursday, Dec. 11
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons - 8:15 p.m.
ET (Prime Video)
**Sunday, Dec. 14 - Early Window (1:00 p.m.
ET)**
- **Bengals vs.
Ravens** - CBS, Fubo
- **Chiefs vs.
Chargers** - CBS, Fubo
- **Patriots vs.
Bills** - CBS, Fubo
- **Jets vs.
Jaguars** - CBS, Fubo
- **Bears vs.
Browns** - FOX, Fubo
- **Giants vs.
Commanders** - FOX, Fubo
- **Eagles vs.
Raiders** - FOX, Fubo
- **Texans vs.
Cardinals** - FOX, Fubo
**Sunday, Dec. 14 - Late Window (4:25 p.m.
ET)**
- **Broncos vs.
Packers** - CBS, Fubo
- **Seahawks vs.
Colts** - CBS, Fubo
- **Rams vs.
Lions** - FOX, Fubo
- **49ers vs.
Titans** - FOX, Fubo
- **Saints vs.
Panthers** - FOX, Fubo
Sunday Night Football
- **Cowboys vs.
Vikings** - 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock, Fubo)
Monday, Dec. 15
- [No game listed in source]
Bottom Line: The AFC North hasn’t played out the way most predicted, but that’s what makes this Ravens-Bengals showdown so fascinating. Two teams with playoff hopes still flickering, fighting for survival in a division that’s still up for grabs. It’s desperation football in mid-December - and that’s when things get real.