The Baltimore Ravens head into Week 6 looking like easily the best team in the AFC North, but last week’s victory in Pittsburgh was far from a work of art. Now, leading the division at 3-2 they’re set as big favourites against the 0-5 Cincinnati Bengals.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Ravens opened as a 10.5-point favourite before early action pushed the number to -11.5 and then -12. That spread has to Baltimore bettors at least a little nervous. About 60 percent of early wagers are backing the Ravens to cover, even though Baltimore hasn’t covered a spread since Week 1. Gone are the days that the Ravens’ nasty defence had bettors salivating about making under bets as this team has played over the total in four of its five games.

Meanwhile, the Bengals just can’t do much of anything right this season. They rank 26th overall in total offence averaging only 16 points per game and are 31st in total defence. Looking back, they have managed to cover the spread in four of their last five matchups with the Ravens.

Cincinnati Bengals

There was some hope that star wide receiver A.J. Green would return this week, but he remains out and fellow wideout John Ross will also be sidelined after he was placed on the injured reserve with a shoulder injury. So, it looks like Andy Dalton will have his work cut out for him again on Sunday. Last week he had just 22 passing yards in the first half against Arizona before bouncing back strong in the second half. He finished 27 of 38 for 262 yards and a touchdown, but the Bengals lost on a last-second field goal.

Baltimore Ravens

Last week’s win at Pittsburgh proved the Ravens have what it takes to win win they aren’t on their game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was 19 of 28 through the air with a touchdown and three interceptions, while taking five sacks. He was more productive when he got out of the pocket, scampering for 70 yards to lead the team in rushing. Running back Mark Ingram was held to 44 yards on 19 rushing attempts, so it was an uncharacteristically bad effort all around from the Baltimore offence. The Ravens have a good chance to bounce back against the Bengals. Baltimore still averages a league-best 32.2 points per game and owns the third-best total offence in the NFL. A lot of that has to do with ball possession and if the Ravens can avoid turnovers they should be able to pick on Cincinnati’s last-ranked run defence to run away with this one.

Who Will Win Bengals vs. Ravens?

BENGALS

Away

13

RAVENS

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