There’s a few scenarios that will see the Ravens clinch a playoff spot in Week 17, but there is really only one they’ll likely focus on: A Baltimore wins equals a playoff berth.

The Ravens know all they need to do in this AFC North matchup is win and they’re in the post season, but they’re facing a Bengals team that has won their last two games, so nothing is a guarantee.  Baltimore comes in as 13-point favourites on the NFL odds with a total of 44.5.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Ravens have dominated division rival Cincinnati over the last two years, winning the past four games, including a 27-3 Week 5 win, earlier this year.  Lamar Jackson struggled throwing the ball in that game, going 19-for-37 with 180 passing yards, two TDs and one interception, but Baltimore’s defence was relentless and managed to sack Bengals QB Joe Burrow seven times.

The Ravens are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall, but they seem to struggle in the cold whether, with the under going 4-0 in their last four January games.

Cincinnati seems to hate January even more than Baltimore, as the under is 6-0 in the Bengals’ last six January games and they are 1-6-1 in their last eight January games.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are finally starting to look like a playoff team and a win on Sunday will seal the deal for them.  They’ve picked up decisive wins in their last four games, including a 27-13 win over the Giants, last week.  Lamar Jackson passed for 183 yards and two TDs, but it was the rush offence that led the way.  Baltimore picked up 249 rushing yards against New York, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, including 85 yards from Gus Edwards, 80 yards from Jackson and 77 yards from J.K. Dobbins.

Baltimore’s pass rush also had Giants QB Daniel Jones constantly looking over his shoulder, hitting him 11 times, including six sacks.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals come into Sunday on a two game win streak with victories over the Texans last week and Steelers in Week 15.  Those wins are great for morale, but really only succeed in hurting their draft position.  Cincinnati QB Brandon Allen exploded for 378 passing yards and two TDs against Houston, while Samaje Perine rushed for 95 yards and two TDs.

The Houston game was a bit of a shootout, however, as the Bengals defence allowed 324 passing yards and three TDs, while also being torched by Giants running back David Johnson, who rushed for 128 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per carry.

Who Will Win Ravens vs. Bengals?