ExtremeRavens Posted November 6 Posted November 6 When the Ravens and Bengals met earlier this season, they played an overtime thriller. Defense was optional. But Baltimore prevailed, 41-38, in part because its defense showed up in the final moments. Marlon Humphrey’s interception of Joe Burrow helped force overtime and propelled the Ravens to a divisional victory. Thursday night’s game once again pits Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson, and the two quarterbacks are among the hottest in the NFL. Jackson is coming off posting a perfect passer rating — going 16 of 19 for 280 yards and three touchdowns against the Denver Broncos — while Burrow threw for for 251 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. With each team’s defense struggling, it’s no surprise betting oddsmakers list the over/under total above 50 points. Baltimore, playing at home and sitting above Cincinnati in every relevant power ranking, is the clear betting favorite. What are the odds? The Ravens are favored for the ninth consecutive game, as they’ve only been an underdog in the season opener against the undefeated Chiefs. Spread: Ravens -6 1/2 points (FanDuel) Total: 53.5 points Moneyline: Ravens -255, Bengals +210 Baltimore is 5-3-1 against the spread this season, and eight of the team’s nine games have gone over the projected point total. The Bengals are 5-4 against the spread, and six of their nine games have gone over the total. Cincinnati has performed well away from home, going 4-0 against the spread in road games. Detroit (4-0) and Atlanta (3-0) are the only other teams undefeated against the spread in road games this year. Points, points and more points? The first meeting between these teams featured 79 combined points. While matching that total feels challenging, the over is my favorite bet of the week. Baltimore ranks first in offensive DVOA, as the Ravens have one of the best offenses in franchise history. They’ve yet to score fewer than 20 points in a game this season, reaching 30 or more in five of their nine games and eclipsing 40 points three times. Cincinnati boasts a dangerous offense, too, ranking 10th in offensive DVOA and scoring 30 points in four of nine games. Burrow threw for 392 yards and five touchdowns in the first meeting, with the Ravens having no answers for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (who is doubtful to play Thursday with a quadriceps injury). I’m skeptical the Ravens’ defense will find those answers this week, although Ravens coach John Harbaugh is holding out hope this game might follow a different script. “You never how it’s gonna play out,” Harbaugh said Tuesday. “I’m excited for all three phases of our team to play their best, play their hardest.” Jackson tallied 403 total yards and four touchdowns in the Ravens’ win. Will Cincinnati’s defense slow down Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers? Most defenses haven’t come close. “We already know we’ve just got to score points,” Jackson said Tuesday. “That’s our job, and that’s been the conversation all season long. We have to score points. With warm weather and minimal winds expected, can anyone slow down these two star quarterbacks? Best bet: Over 53 points (BetMGM) Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article Quote
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