CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals return from their bye week Sunday afternoon with a chance to make up ground in the AFC North when they visit the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. With Lamar Jackson officially ruled out, Cincinnati has an opportunity to earn a big divisional victory.

The Bengals (3-2) enter the game coming off a 31-24 victory over Miami two weeks ago, when Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes and the offense found some success running the football. Baltimore (4-2), meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a 13-10 loss to Cleveland that exposed some of its offensive problems without Jackson.

Tyler Huntley will make his third consecutive start at quarterback for the Ravens. Baltimore is 1-1 in his two starts, and while Huntley has shown he can lead the offense, the Ravens haven't been nearly as explosive without their two-time MVP.

The Bengals also catch Baltimore dealing with injuries elsewhere. Pass rusher Tavius Robinson has been placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins has been ruled out with a knee injury.

However, Derrick Henry remains a major threat in the running game, and the Ravens' defense includes several players capable of creating problems for Burrow, especially Kyle Hamilton who will be all over the field on Sunday.

For the Bengals, the challenge is to take advantage of Jackson's absence without allowing Baltimore to control the game on the ground.

Players to Watch

• Joe Burrow — Burrow enters Sunday's game with 1,361 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions through five games. He threw four touchdown passes in Cincinnati's victory over Miami before the bye, and the Bengals will need another productive performance against Baltimore. The Ravens have a talented secondary, but injuries have created some opportunities for opposing offenses. More importantly, Cincinnati's offensive line has shown improvement in recent weeks, allowing just three sacks over its last three games and none against Miami. That progress will be tested by former Bengal Trey Hendrickson, who joined Baltimore during the offseason. Burrow needs to continue getting the ball out quickly, avoid unnecessary pressure, and take advantage of the receiving talent around him. If Cincinnati can give him time, the Bengals should have opportunities to move the football against Baltimore.

• Ja'Marr Chase — Few players have enjoyed more success against Baltimore than Chase. In 10 career regular-season meetings with the Ravens, he has averaged 120.4 receiving yards, including six games with more than 100 yards. He's also topped 100 yards in each of his last four meetings with Baltimore, making him one of the biggest threats the Ravens will need to account for Sunday. Chase has four touchdown receptions through Cincinnati's first five games, and with Burrow coming off a strong performance against Miami, the Bengals should look to get their top receiver involved early. Baltimore will undoubtedly make limiting Chase a priority, but Cincinnati also has Tee Higgins and other receiving options capable of taking advantage when defenses commit extra coverage. The Bengals need to avoid becoming too predictable, but Chase should remain the centerpiece of their passing attack. If he produces the way he has against Baltimore in the past, Cincinnati's chances of winning improve dramatically.

• Cincinnati's Defensive Line — Lamar Jackson's absence is a major advantage for the Bengals, but it doesn't eliminate Baltimore's biggest offensive strength. Derrick Henry has rushed for 534 yards and seven touchdowns this season, while the Ravens remain one of the NFL's most productive rushing teams. Cincinnati's run defense has been inconsistent, including allowing 217 rushing yards against Miami before the bye. That performance raises concerns heading into a matchup with one of the league's most physical running backs. Defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen will need to control the middle, while the rest of Cincinnati's defensive front must prevent Henry from consistently reaching the second level. Huntley is also capable of making plays with his legs, so maintaining gap discipline will be important. If Baltimore establishes its running game, the Ravens can control the clock and keep Burrow on the sidelines. But if Cincinnati can contain Henry and force Huntley into obvious passing situations, the Bengals should have opportunities to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers.

Game Information

Notes

• Cincinnati enters Sunday at 3-2 following its Week 6 bye. The Bengals defeated Miami 31-24 in their last game, with Burrow throwing four touchdowns.

• Baltimore is 4-2 after losing 13-10 to Cleveland last week. The Ravens were held scoreless over the final three quarters.

• Lamar Jackson has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Tyler Huntley will make his third consecutive start for Baltimore.

• Huntley has completed 51 of 72 passes for 429 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in three appearances this season.

• Derrick Henry has rushed for 534 yards and seven touchdowns through Baltimore's first six games.

• Cincinnati allowed 217 rushing yards against Miami, making its performance against Henry a major concern.

• Ravens pass rusher Tavius Robinson is out with a pectoral injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins is also out with a knee injury.

• Baltimore cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. is doubtful, while defensive tackle Broderick Washington is questionable.

• The Bengals have no players carrying a game-status designation on their final injury report.

• Former Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson joined Baltimore during the offseason and remains a dangerous matchup for Cincinnati's offensive line.

• Cincinnati's offensive line has allowed only three sacks over its last three games, including none against Miami.

• Baltimore defeated Cincinnati 24-0 in the teams' most recent meeting on December 14, 2025.

Prediction

The Bengals need this one, especially with Lamar Jackson ruled out and the Bengals coming off a bye week. Baltimore is still a dangerous team, but the Ravens simply aren't the same offensively without Jackson, and I think that gives Cincinnati an advantage.

My biggest concern is Derrick Henry. The Bengals have struggled against the run, and allowing 217 rushing yards to Miami doesn't inspire much confidence heading into a matchup with one of the best running backs in football. If Baltimore can establish Henry early, the Ravens could control the clock and make this a difficult afternoon for Cincinnati. Though don't be surprised if Huntley makes some throws, as well.

However, I don't think Baltimore will be able to score enough points to keep up with Burrow and the Bengals' offense. Cincinnati's pass protection has improved, and Burrow looked sharp against Miami before the bye. I expect that to continue Sunday.

Chase has a history of dominating Baltimore's secondary, and I think he'll have another productive game. The Ravens will try to take him away, but that should create opportunities for Higgins and the rest of Cincinnati's receiving corp.

Defensively, the Bengals need to make Huntley beat them with his arm. He has shown that he's capable of making plays, but he's not Jackson, and Baltimore loses much of what makes its offense so difficult to defend when Jackson isn't on the field.

I expect Cincinnati to come out refreshed after the bye and take advantage of a Baltimore team that's dealing with injuries on both sides of the football. Henry will get his yards, but I think the Bengals will limit Baltimore's scoring opportunities and pull away in the second half.

Bengals 27, Ravens 16