The NFL Week 11 Thursday Night Football showdown brings the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals face-to-face once again, and if last month’s high-scoring 41-38 Ravens overtime victory is any indication, fans might be in for another explosive matchup. The Ravens and Bengals both displayed powerhouse offenses in that clash, with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow showcasing MVP-caliber play. However, the spotlight now shifts to whether these teams can adjust defensively and contain the opposing stars as they battle in Baltimore.
In their previous encounter, Jackson and Burrow went head-to-head in an aerial showdown that saw the teams trading touchdowns in a thrilling display. Jackson threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns while adding 55 yards on the ground. Burrow, meanwhile, matched Jackson’s intensity, throwing for 392 yards and five touchdowns, keeping the Bengals in the game until an interception by Ravens’ cornerback Marlon Humphrey allowed Baltimore to kick a tying field goal and force overtime. Ultimately, it was a well-timed run by Derrick Henry in overtime that set up Baltimore’s game-winning field goal.
Since then, both teams have found their stride. The Bengals (4-5), fighting to overcome an early-season slump, have won three of their last four games. The Ravens (6-3), after an 0-2 start, have won five of their last six, including last weekend’s dominant performance over Denver, where Jackson posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
Jackson and Burrow have both been central to their teams’ recent success. Jackson’s season has been marked by a blend of efficiency and explosiveness, reflected in his perfect game against the Broncos. Burrow, despite expressing a modest view on Cincinnati’s recent rout of the Raiders, has shown his prowess this season, with his 20 touchdown passes tying Jackson and just one shy of league leader Baker Mayfield. Burrow is also completing an impressive 70.2% of his passes, demonstrating sharp decision-making and accuracy.
Yet, the question lingers: will either defense manage to slow them down this time around?
The Ravens struggled to establish the run in the first meeting, with Derrick Henry held in check for much of the game. While he did break loose in overtime, finishing with 92 yards, a more consistent ground game could help Baltimore control the clock and keep Burrow on the sidelines. This aligns with the Ravens’ identity—they’ve run for at least 100 yards in 42 consecutive games, just one shy of the NFL record. Establishing Henry early would add balance to the offense and relieve some pressure off Jackson.
The Bengals, meanwhile, face a different challenge in their ground attack. They’ve averaged fewer than 90 rushing yards per game this season, a major factor in their inconsistent performance. However, Chase Brown’s recent breakout game against the Raiders (120 yards on 27 carries) has Cincinnati hoping for renewed balance. The Ravens’ run defense, ranked No. 1 in the league, will be a tough test for Brown, especially if the Bengals remain without starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Baltimore has been formidable under the lights, boasting a 21-3 record in home prime-time games under head coach John Harbaugh. This includes an unblemished 8-0 record on Thursday Night Football. The Ravens thrive in these high-stakes environments, and with the energy of a prime-time home crowd, they’ll look to put the Bengals on their heels early.
Jackson vs. Bengals Secondary: Can the Bengals find an answer for Jackson’s versatility? Baltimore’s offense thrives on his ability to create plays both in the air and on the ground.
Burrow vs. Ravens Pass Defense: The Ravens’ secondary will need to step up after Burrow’s five-touchdown performance in the last meeting. Cornerbacks and safeties will be key in limiting Cincinnati’s explosive passing attack.
Run Game Control: Baltimore’s consistent rushing attack versus Cincinnati’s hit-or-miss ground game could be a decisive factor. If the Bengals can replicate their recent success with Chase Brown, they’ll keep the Ravens’ defense on its toes and add another dimension to Burrow’s passing game.
Given both teams’ offensive firepower and recent momentum, another high-scoring affair seems likely. Baltimore’s edge in prime-time performances and defensive consistency, particularly against the run, gives them a slight advantage. Expect the Ravens to try and control the clock with a steady ground game, while the Bengals aim to stay in it by leveraging Burrow’s hot hand.
Baltimore could find just enough of a defensive boost to hold off the Bengals’ attack and extend their prime-time home success, setting up another entertaining chapter in this AFC North rivalry.
