Ravens vs. Bengals Point Spread: NFL Week 15 Odds, Prediction
Two AFC North teams on the way out of playoff contention meet up in Cincinnati on Sunday as the Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens at 1 p.m. ET. This is the second time in three weeks the two foes have met, with the Bengals taking the last meeting U.S. Thanksgiving night in Baltimore, 32-14.
The Ravens have lost two straight after a five-game win streak, dropping to 6-7. Coach John Harbaugh’s squad is on the verge of missing the postseason for the first time in four years after Lamar Jackson had another uneven performance in a 27-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bengals are all but eliminated from postseason contention for the third straight season. Cincinnati lost in a snowstorm at Buffalo last week, 39-34, to secure its first losing season since 2020, quarterback Joe Burrow’s rookie year. The LSU product just returned after missing nine games, but defensive stalwart Trey Hendrickson is done for the season.
Baltimore is a 2.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with the total set at 51.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Despite the loss on two weeks ago, the Ravens have bested Cincinnati four times in the past five meetings. In fact, the Ravens, who are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall, are 5-2 against the spread in their previous seven games with the Bengals. Cincinnati is 5-5 against the spread as an underdog. These teams have played to the Over in six of the last seven meetings in Cincinnati.
Ja’Marr Chase had seven catches for 110 yards two weeks ago against Baltimore. He is +100 to have more than 100 yards receiving and +250 to have more than 150 on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens
Last week’s loss to the Steelers, with the division lead on the line, was deflating for Baltimore. The Ravens out-rushed Pittsburgh, 217-34, but allowed Aaron Rodgers to have his best game as a Steeler. He threw for 284 yards and recorded his first rushing touchdown since 2022.
Jackson threw for four touchdowns in his return from injury in a win over Miami in Week 9. In the five games since, he is averaging 197.4 passing yards and has thrown for just two touchdowns. Something is wrong, and it will most likely take the offseason to figure it out.
Sunday should be a banner game for Derrick Henry, who has 1,025 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Those are solid numbers, but nothing like last year’s 1,921-yard, 16-TD rebirth. He has rushed for more than 100 yards only four times this year, including just once in the past five games.
Henry had 60 yards on 10 carries against the Bengals two weeks ago. Those numbers need to double… at least.
Cincinnati Bengals
For Burrow, it’s what could have been. He’s thrown six touchdowns in the two games since he’s returned. Cincinnati has gone 3-1 with him, 1-8 without. He did have two rough interceptions as Buffalo overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to win last week, but Cincinnati always has a chance to win with him under centre.
And the NFL’s worst defence continues to earn that ranking week after week. The Bengals allowed 183 rushing yards to the Bills. Hendrickson, who had 70.5 sacks the past season, is now out for the year after playing just seven games. And he’s still second on the team.
Cincinnati held Henry and Baltimore relatively in check on Thanksgiving. Can they do it again?
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Ravens vs. Bengals?
Baltimore should win, but Jackson is a shadow of himself, and Burrow is back in form. With nothing to lose, the Bengals sweep the season series, cover the 2.5-point spread, and play to the Over. Expect a 34-31 Cincinnati victory.
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