NFL
After starting the season 1-5, the Baltimore Ravens have clawed their way back, winning their last 5 games and taking over 1st place in the AFC North from the Pittsburgh Steelers. As they beat the New York Jets 23-10 as the defense comes through again by holding their opponent to under 20 points for the 6th consecutive game. And, now the Ravens, on a short week, have a quick turnaround and get prepared for the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town on Thanksgiving night for 1st of 2 matchups in a 3 week span.
In Week 13, on Thanksgiving night, we will see a matchup of two AFC North rivals going at it as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals for their 1st of 2 scheduled division matchups. This matchup on Thanksgiving will feature two teams that are on opposite sides of the standings, as the Ravens are at the top of the division, while the Bengals are near the bottom. However, this game could become more interesting if Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returns after missing 11 straight games due to a toe injury. And, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson on the field against each other in this game has the potential to be a battle all the way to the very end. But it will come down to practicing, as both Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are battling the injury bug right now.
The Baltimore Ravens, after starting the season 1-5, have won 5 straight games and are now in a first-place tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers after their 23-10 win over the New York Jets. The defense, since week 6, hasn’t allowed its opponents to score more than 20 points in a game, with the return of quarterback Lamar Jackson after missing two games back in October with a hamstring injury. Since his return from his hamstring injury, Lamar Jackson hasn’t been playing like his true MVP self, but with the defense playing the way it is, it shows the defense is helping Lamar Jackson out big time. The Ravens will get some big returns in this game, with WR Rashod Bateman returning from his ankle injury. And, his return will give Lamar Jackson a big helping hand, and the defense will be up to the challenge as Joe Burrow will return from his toe injury.
On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals are near the bottom of the division as they are coming into this game at 3-8. But one thing that could make Bengals fans happy is that star quarterback Joe Burrow is making his return after missing the last 11 games with a toe injury. The defense is ranked down all the way at the bottom of the league in all 3 categories in yards given up per game, passing, and rushing. But, the offense, on the other hand, with Joe Burrow coming back, Ja’Mar Chase coming back from suspension, their offense could give the Ravens defense a nightmare trying to stop them. The Bengals in this game will most likely play for pride for the rest of the season, as their record indicates that they are more likely preparing for 2026 and beyond. No matter what, with Joe Burrow playing, the Bengals will be in it, knowing that it’s a division game as well.
The Ravens, coming into this game, know that Joe Burrow is coming back from injury, and it’s a division game, and when it’s a division game, it will be a battle no matter what the records are. In this game will see how bad with Bengals’ defense is and how the Ravens can run the ball; this could be a field day for the Ravens running the ball, as well as throwing the ball. I believe that with all that, I believe the Ravens are healthier and are playing for the Bengals more, and that will be the difference in this game.
