The Baltimore Ravens will play the Cincinnati Bengals in a high-stakes intradivisional matchup. These teams are tied for the lead in the AFC North with 8-6 records. Baltimore is coming off of three consecutive losses, while Cincinnati won their last game. You’ll find the NFL odds along with my pick and prediction for the Ravens vs. Bengals game in Week 16.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals pick, prediction | Week 16
- Spread: Bengals -2.5 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Ravens +120, Bengals -140
- Over/Under: 44.5
Lamar Jackson missed Baltimore’s last game against the Green Bay Packers due to a high ankle sprain. He was listed as questionable throughout the week before turning to doubtful on Sunday and eventually being ruled out.
[bet-bonus id=”164810″ ]Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that he’s hopeful Jackson will practice on Wednesday. All of this suggests that the Ravens’ star quarterback will be able to suit up on Sunday.
The question then shifts to how effective he will be if he does play. Jackson has performed well with his arm this season, although his biggest threat continues to come from his legs. He’s recorded 767 yards and 2 touchdowns on 133 carries over 12 games. If Jackson isn’t able to run and extend plays, he could be more of a detriment to his team than an asset.
Ravens vs. Bengals betting trends
Baltimore and Cincinnati have both struggled at times against the spread (ATS) this season. They enter this game with 7-7 ATS records. The Ravens have covered the spread in four of their last five games, though, while the Bengals have covered in three games over that span.
Baltimore’s also been neutral in terms of the game total, hitting the over or under in exactly 50% of their contests. Cincinnati leans slightly more toward the under, finding it in 57.1% of their contests thus far.
Ravens vs. Bengals prediction
Divisional games are always the most difficult to predict in the NFL because the teams know each other so well. This game being for the division lead late in the season adds another element. Furthermore, Jackson’s status at this point in the week is unknown, although I’m expecting him to play without restrictions.
If that’s the case, I lean toward the underdog, not only covering the spread but winning outright. Earlier in the year, the Bengals blew the Ravens out in Baltimore. I don’t expect another blowout here, but I do anticipate the Ravens getting their revenge after nearly knocking off Green Bay last week.
Ravens vs. Bengals Prediction: Ravens 24, Bengals 21