Week 5 Preview: Bengals vs. Ravens - AFC North Showdown

The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens meet for a crucial AFC North clash in Week 5, with high stakes on the line for both teams. The Ravens, looking to climb above .500, have momentum after back-to-back wins, while the Bengals, sitting at 1-3, are desperate to avoid a deep hole in their division title hopes. Let’s break down the key themes and predictions for this matchup.

Quarterback Duel: Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow

Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but both have rarely been fully healthy at the same time since Burrow’s arrival in 2020. When both have started and finished games, Baltimore holds a 3-1 edge in the series. Burrow acknowledges the pressure he’s under, stating he’ll need to be “damn near perfect” on Sunday for Cincinnati to have a shot. He’s been solid since Week 1, posting a strong QBR and throwing seven touchdown passes in the last three games.

Shawn Hubbard / Emilee Chinn / Baltimore Ravens Photos / AP Photos

Bengals’ Offense: The Key to Victory

If the Bengals are going to win, the offense will be crucial. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the rest of the offense need to carry over their momentum from the past two games, where they scored 67 points combined. Handling Baltimore’s talented defense, particularly their pass rush, will be a major test. A fast start will be vital to avoid playing from behind, as the Bengals have seen how early deficits against teams like the Cowboys and Bills can derail their chances.

Photo Credit: Albert Cesare, The Enquirer, USA TODAY NETWORK

Ravens’ Defense: Can They Contain Cincinnati?

The Ravens’ defense is formidable, led by linebacker Roquan Smith, who has made it clear the rivalry runs deep: “They don’t like us, and we don’t like them.” Baltimore has increased their use of man coverage and pressure packages, which will be critical against Cincinnati’s high-powered passing game. Rookie Nate Wiggins will play a key role in the secondary, especially with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase back on the field.

Photo Credit: Kylie Cooper, The Baltimore Banner

Derrick Henry & Lamar Jackson: Baltimore’s Offensive Weapons

One of the biggest challenges for Cincinnati will be containing the Ravens’ dynamic duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Henry is coming off an impressive stretch, rushing for 350 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. The Bengals will need to find ways to force Henry to run laterally, as stopping him downhill is a near-impossible task. Slowing Henry is essential because his presence opens up play-action opportunities for Jackson, who can exploit Cincinnati’s defense with big splash plays.

Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan, Imagn Images

Cincinnati’s Defense: Can They Force Turnovers?

While Cincinnati’s defense has struggled—currently ranked 27th in points allowed and 32nd in havoc rate—they need to step up and force turnovers if they want to win. Against a Ravens offense that has excelled on the ground, generating key interceptions, fumbles, or sacks will be vital to keeping Baltimore out of the end zone. If they can force a few splash plays, it could tilt the game in their favor.

Prediction

Burrow’s self-awareness of needing a near-perfect performance could be the spark the Bengals need. If Cincinnati’s offense can execute and their defense can disrupt Baltimore just enough, the Bengals have a shot at pulling off a tight win. Expect a hard-fought game, but with Burrow and Chase leading the way, Cincinnati may just edge out the Ravens in a nail-biter.