Ravens vs. Bengals Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets for NFL Week 5

Baltimore Ravens (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS)
NFL Football Week 5
Date/Time: Sunday, October 6th, 2024, 1:00 PM (EST)
Where: Paycor Stadium Cincinnati, OH.
TV: CBS

Betting Odds

Point Spread: BAL -3/CIN +3
Moneyline: BAL -140/CIN +120
Total: 50.5

The Baltimore Ravens have climbed out of a 0-2 hole to start the season by delivering back-to-back blowout victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. Last week, RB Derrick Henry rumbled for 199 yards on the ground to lead the Ravens to a 35-10 blowout over the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills. At 2-2 SU, the Ravens have regained the momentum that led the team to an AFC Championship appearance just one season ago and the Ravens will try to sustain that momentum on Sunday when they meet the Cincinnati Bengals inside Paycor Stadium for a week five showdown.

While the Ravens have seemingly turned things around, the jury is still out for Cincinnati. The Bengals captured their first win of the season last week in a 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers; however, the win still left lingering concerns. The Bengals defense allowed nearly 400 yards of total offense to an Andy Dalton-led Panthers offense. More importantly, Head Coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati offense continued to struggle on 3rd down, leaving plenty of opportunities on the field. Despite the concerns, the Bengals remain just 1-3 SU on the season and are in desperate need to pick up another victory to avoid falling into an even bigger hole to start the season!

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Analysis

From a match-up perspective, this week five showdown between the Ravens and Bengals has the capability to produce fireworks, which is the reason for the lofty 50.5-point total. Cincinnati’s defense has been downright bad against the run, allowing 145 yards per game, and now will get the challenge of trying to stop Derrick Henry, QB Lamar Jackson, and one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. Henry and Jackson have already combined to produce 788 yards through the opening four games of the season, and this should be another big game opportunity for both elite talents.

Meanwhile, the Ravens’ biggest weakness should also play into the strength of the Cincinnati offense this week. Baltimore’s pass defense has been awful, allowing more than 250 yards per game as one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The Bengals have struggled to run the football in the absence of RB Joe Mixon despite a two-headed approach with Zach Moss and Chase Brown. Therefore, I expect QB Joe Burrow to take full aim at this Ravens’ defense with WR Jamar Chase and company. Chase has produced multiple big plays in recent weeks, and fellow WR Tee Higgins appears to be fully healthy. As a result, the Bengals should have the talent to attack this Baltimore secondary with confidence as long as Burrow has time to throw!

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends

• The Ravens are 13-5 SU in the last 18 games.
• The Ravens are 6-1 SU in the last seven games on the road.
• The Ravens are 4-1 ATS in the last five games against Cincinnati.
• The Ravens have hit the “over” in 6 of the last seven games on the road at Cincinnati.
• The Bengals are 2-5 SU in the last seven games.
• The Bengals have hit the “over” in four of the last five games at home.
• The Bengals have hit the “over” in eight of the last ten games.
• The Bengals are 1-7 ATS in the last eight games against AFC North opponents.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Prediction

I’m expecting a big effort from Cincinnati this week in a crucial home match-up against the Ravens. With that said, I’m not confident they can hold off the Ravens rushing attack. Either way, I think there will be lots of scoring as both offenses force their will. Take the over!

Jay’s Pick: Take the over 50.5!