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Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens NFL Sports Betting Guide

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This AFC North matchup is less exciting than it has been in past years. The winless, injured Cincinnati Bengals head to Baltimore to take on the 3-2 Ravens, who are fresh off an overtime win against the Steelers. With both offenses showing signs of life and both defenses really struggling, it could make for an interesting Week 6 game.

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Bengals vs Ravens Odds and Info

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

  • Opening Lines: BAL -9.5, O/U 48.0
  • Moneyline: CIN (+430) | BAL (-550)
  • Spread: CIN +12 (-120) | BAL -12 (+100)
  • Total: 47.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
  • Location: M&T Bank Stadium — Baltimore, MD
  • Start Time: 1 pm ET
  • Coverage: CBS

Injuries

  • Cincinnati Bengals: G Michael Jordan (Q), G John Miller (Q), DT Ryan Glasgow (Q), LB Nick Vigil (Q), S Shawn Williams (Q)
  • Baltimore Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith (Out), TE Mark Andrews (Q), WR Marquise Brown (Q), CB Maurice Canady (Q), LB Patrick Onwuasor (Q)

View consensus picks from 100+ experts for the Bengals at Ravens >>

Overview

As one of the few winless teams left, it’s not too bold to say that the Bengals are one of the worst teams in the league. Defensively, they’re atrocious, giving up an average of 411.8 yards per game (second-worst in the league). They are also giving up 27.2 points per game (sixth-worst).

Offensively, they’re banged up. They are missing both A.J. Green and John Ross from their receiving corps and their offensive line is one of the worst in the league. The line is not doing their job in the running game, with the team averaging just 3.3 yards per rush (third-worst). They’re also not protecting Andy Dalton, allowing him to get sacked 20 times (third-most).

The Ravens have been one of the best run offenses in the league, averaging 192.2 yards per game (second-most) and 5.3 yards per rush (fifth-best). This alone should be a big matchup advantage against a Bengals defense that gives up 5.0 yards per rush (sixth-most).

In the passing game, Lamar Jackson has been inconsistent, missing easy throws that he proved during Week 1 he can make. When the passing game is in sync, this can be one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

Defensively, they have struggled this season. After Week 1, they have given up an average of 305.3 passing yards per game. If they do not get pressure on Dalton, they could be at risk of giving the Bengals their first win.

Trends

  • Cincinnati is 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last nine games.
  • The total has hit the under in four of Cincinnati’s last six games.
  • Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against Baltimore.
  • Baltimore is 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven games.
  • The total has hit the over in four of Baltimore’s last five games.
  • The all-time series between these two teams is tied at 23-23.
  • Last Meeting: November 18, 2018 — The Ravens defeated the Bengals, 24-21, at M&T Bank Stadium.

Prop Bet

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Baltimore Ravens to Win & Over 47.5 Points (+120)
This prop is a great way to get better value if you think the total will hit the over since Baltimore is essentially a lock to outright win the game. The total has hit in four of Baltimore’s games this season, with all five of their games averaging 56.8 points. The Ravens should have little trouble moving the football and scoring against Cincinnati, who is soft against the run and also allows a 70-percent catch rate. Cincinnati is also capable of putting up points, scoring 17 or more in four of five games this season.

Bottom Line

This spread is wide, but Baltimore is capable of clearing it. We’ve already discussed in length the advantage the Baltimore offense has against the Cincinnati defense, so no need to go over that more.

We have also noted that the Ravens have struggled against the pass, but the Bengals’ biggest weakness is their pass protection. If they are unable to give Dalton time upfront, then it helps to neutralize the weakness of the Ravens since they will not be able to pass downfield.

Also, the top receiving option is Tyler Boyd, who will face the Ravens’ Brandon Carr in the slot. Carr is having one of the better seasons of the Baltimore corners, and if he slows Boyd at all, the Bengals are done.

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -12

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Check out our other NFL Sports Betting Guides for Week 6

Seattle Seahawks vs. Cleveland Browns (+1.5)
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-4)
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (-3)
Washington Redskins vs. Miami Dolphins (+3.5)
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay (+2)
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets (+7)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)
Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos (-2)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (-3)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (-3.5)

Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.