In a dramatic Thursday night showdown, the Baltimore Ravens clawed their way back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to edge out the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34, showcasing an unforgettable fourth-quarter performance from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson threw three touchdowns in the final quarter, rallying the Ravens (7-3) from a 21-7 deficit, while the Bengals (4-6) missed a last-minute chance to claim victory with a failed 2-point conversion attempt.
Down 21-7 and seemingly struggling to contain Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who finished with an astounding 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns, the Ravens showed resilience and grit. Baltimore’s defense also contributed in key moments, including a third-quarter fumble recovery that shifted momentum. Cincinnati, in control at the time and with a chance to extend their lead, saw rookie Chase Brown fumble, giving Baltimore a short field. Jackson capitalized quickly, scrambling along the sideline to set up a Derrick Henry 1-yard touchdown run, breathing life into the Ravens’ comeback hopes.
As the fourth quarter began, Jackson ignited Baltimore’s offense, finding Tylan Wallace on a short pass that Wallace turned into an 84-yard touchdown by tiptoeing down the sideline and dodging defenders. Although kicker Justin Tucker missed the extra point, cutting the Bengals’ lead to just one, the Ravens had regained momentum.
Cincinnati fought back with Burrow leading his team into Baltimore territory, but two deep incompletions on third-and-2 and fourth-and-2 left the Bengals empty-handed. Baltimore capitalized on the turnover on downs with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews, followed by Jackson’s own successful 2-point conversion to give the Ravens their first lead at 28-21.
With 5:37 remaining, Chase delivered again for Cincinnati, catching a 70-yard bomb from Burrow to tie the game at 28. But Jackson was ready with a response, orchestrating another Ravens drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman with 1:49 left, putting Baltimore up 35-28.
Burrow, however, wasn’t done. In a final-minute push, he found Chase for a 5-yard touchdown with 38 seconds left, narrowing the score to 35-34. The Bengals, determined to avoid another overtime clash with Baltimore, opted to go for a game-winning 2-point conversion. But Burrow’s pass sailed high over tight end Tanner Hudson, sealing Baltimore’s victory.
Jackson’s spectacular performance included 290 yards passing and four touchdowns, with his quick decision-making and agile footwork proving too much for Cincinnati’s defense. Burrow matched his rival’s intensity, amassing 428 passing yards and four touchdowns of his own, but the missed 2-point attempt ultimately left the Bengals a point short.
Notably, the Ravens were forced to finish the game without All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who exited with an ankle injury in the first half, further challenging Baltimore’s defense. Chase, meanwhile, continued his dominance over the Ravens, setting an NFL record with 457 yards receiving across his two matchups with Baltimore this season.
For the Ravens, this victory not only showcased Jackson’s resilience under pressure but also represented a comeback of historic proportions, marking the largest deficit Jackson has overcome since rallying from 24-10 to beat Minnesota exactly three years ago to the day.
The Ravens, now 7-3, remain firmly in contention for the AFC North title, while the Bengals drop to 4-6, their playoff hopes now facing a steeper uphill battle.
