Ali Akbar RosadySportsBreakNews.com – Baltimore, MD – The annual Thanksgiving Day NFL slate kicked off with a pivotal AFC North clash as the Cincinnati Bengals, battling a challenging season, took the field against the Baltimore Ravens. Early in the first quarter, with 10:36 remaining on the clock and no scores yet posted, the Bengals were orchestrating a promising drive deep in Ravens territory, looking to draw first blood.
The Cincinnati offense, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow, was in the midst of a methodical possession that had consumed 4 minutes and 24 seconds and covered 48 yards over seven plays. Currently facing a 2nd & 10 from the Baltimore 16-yard line, the Bengals’ last play saw Burrow drop back from shotgun formation, attempting a short left pass to wide receiver M. Tinsley, which ultimately fell incomplete. The play, characteristic of the early-game probing, highlighted Cincinnati’s intent to test the formidable Baltimore defense.
This divisional rivalry game carries significant weight for both franchises, albeit for different reasons. For the Cincinnati Bengals, their 3-8 record coming into Week 12 reflects a season marred by inconsistency and a punishing injury bug. Their road performance, standing at 1-4, further underscores the uphill battle they face in Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. Despite the struggles, the presence of Burrow, a former MVP candidate, consistently gives them a fighting chance, and a strong start in a high-profile game like this could offer a much-needed morale boost and a potential upset narrative.
The Baltimore Ravens, conversely, entered the contest with a more favorable 6-5 record, positioning them firmly in the hunt for an AFC playoff berth, if not the AFC North division title. While their 3-3 home record isn’t dominant, the Ravens are known for their physical play and stifling defense, traits that typically thrive in divisional matchups. For Baltimore, this game is crucial to solidify their standing in a highly competitive conference and maintain pace with other contenders.
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The betting markets ahead of the game reflected the disparity in team performance and expectations. The Ravens were favored by 7.5 points, with a moneyline of -500, indicating a strong likelihood of a Baltimore victory. The Bengals, as 7.5-point underdogs, were given +320 odds on the moneyline. The over/under for total points was set at 52.5, suggesting an expectation of a moderately high-scoring affair despite the Ravens’ defensive prowess. At the 10:36 mark of the first quarter, ESPN’s analytics assigned the Ravens a 58.8% win probability, aligning with their pre-game favored status.
A significant factor impacting the Bengals’ season, and potentially this game, is their extensive injury list. Wide receiver Tee Higgins, a crucial target for Burrow, was inactive due to a concussion, depriving the offense of a key playmaker in the passing game. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a dominant force on their defensive line, was also sidelined with a hip injury, weakening Cincinnati’s pass rush against Baltimore’s dynamic offense. Other inactive Bengals included defensive end Cam Sample (oblique), backup quarterback Jake Browning (coach’s decision), and tight end Cam Grandy (coach’s decision), all with an estimated return date of December 7. The absence of Higgins and Hendrickson, in particular, places additional pressure on other starters to step up against a formidable Ravens squad.
The Ravens’ inactive list, while also notable, appeared less impactful on their core starting lineup. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace, backup quarterback Cooper Rush, offensive tackle Carson Vinson, linebacker David Ojabo, and guard Ben Cleveland were all inactive due to coach’s decision. This typically implies healthy scratches or minor issues, suggesting the Ravens were largely at full strength or had sufficient depth to cover these absences without significant disruption to their game plan.
Season Trajectories and Rivalry Context
The AFC North is renowned for its hard-hitting, fiercely contested matchups, and the Bengals-Ravens rivalry is a prime example. Historically, games between these two teams are often decided by thin margins, regardless of their season records. However, the 2025 season has presented contrasting narratives.
Cincinnati’s season has been a struggle from the outset. After a promising start that quickly faded, the team has been unable to find consistent rhythm on either side of the ball. Injuries to key players, particularly on offense, have disrupted continuity and forced Burrow to shoulder an even greater burden. The offensive line has faced challenges, and the running game has struggled to establish dominance, often leading to predictable passing situations. On defense, while flashes of brilliance have appeared, the unit has at times been overwhelmed, especially against strong rushing attacks. Coach Zac Taylor and his staff have been working tirelessly to find solutions, but the team’s record reflects the difficulty of overcoming significant personnel losses and mid-season adversity. A win against a divisional leader on Thanksgiving would be a testament to their resilience and perhaps a turning point, however late in the season.
Baltimore, under head coach John Harbaugh, has navigated its season with a characteristic blend of stout defense and a potent rushing attack. While their 6-5 record might not be as dominant as some previous Ravens teams, they remain a dangerous contender, especially at home. Their defense, a perennial strength, has continued to be a disruptive force, generating turnovers and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Offensively, the team typically relies on a diverse run game and efficient passing, though they have shown the capability for explosive plays. The Ravens’ ability to grind out wins in tough environments has kept them competitive in the AFC playoff picture. This game against a struggling Bengals team represents an opportunity to distance themselves from rivals and solidify their postseason aspirations.
Impact of Key Absences
The absence of Tee Higgins for the Bengals is a significant blow to their passing game. Higgins, known for his contested catches and ability to stretch the field, typically provides a crucial complement to the Bengals’ other receiving threats. Without him, the Ravens’ secondary can focus more attention on containing other targets, potentially making Burrow’s job even tougher against a disciplined defense. On the defensive side, Trey Hendrickson’s absence deprives Cincinnati of its premier pass rusher. Hendrickson’s ability to consistently pressure the quarterback is vital for disrupting opposing offenses and creating opportunities for the secondary. His hip injury leaves a void that the Bengals’ defensive coordinator will need to address strategically, potentially relying on rotational players to step up or employing more exotic blitz packages.
For the Ravens, while the inactive list includes several players, the "coach’s decision" designation often implies healthy roster management or minor tactical adjustments rather than critical injuries to starters. This suggests that the core of their offensive and defensive units remained intact, giving them a significant advantage in terms of personnel.
Looking Ahead
As the first quarter continued to unfold, the Bengals’ drive on the Baltimore 16-yard line remained the central focus. A successful scoring play here would not only give Cincinnati an early lead but also send a message to the rest of the league that, despite their record, they are not to be underestimated, especially in a rivalry game. For the Ravens, stopping this drive would reinforce their defensive reputation and prevent a struggling opponent from gaining early momentum.
Beyond this immediate drive, the outcome of this Thanksgiving Day encounter will have lasting implications. A win for the Ravens would strengthen their hold on a playoff spot and build confidence as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season. Their upcoming fixtures, following this game, would likely include other divisional opponents and AFC contenders, making every victory paramount. For the Bengals, a victory, however unlikely given their season, could provide a spark for the remaining games, potentially affecting draft positioning or simply serving as a morale-boosting highlight in an otherwise difficult year. Their schedule following this Ravens game would undoubtedly present opportunities for growth and evaluation of their younger talent.
The atmosphere in M&T Bank Stadium was palpable, a mix of holiday festivity and intense divisional rivalry. Every snap carried weight, and as Joe Burrow prepared for the 2nd & 10, the eyes of the football world were firmly fixed on this early Thanksgiving showdown.
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