Ravens @ Bengals Could Trend Towards High Scoring Affair for Week 5

The 2-2 Baltimore Ravens will visit the 1-3 Bengals in Cincinnati, as a classic AFC North division game could lead to a high-scoring affair. The Ravens are coming off a dominant performance against a 3-win Buffalo team in Week 4 during Sunday Night Football. Baltimore was efficient on the ground and their defense showed up against Josh Allen and the Bills.

The Bengals got their first win of the season in Carolina, as their offense was a balanced attack through the air and on the ground. The Burrow-Chase connection was there and their duo starting running backs Zach Moss and Chase Brown were solid in their backfield.

This will be their first meeting of the 2024 season, as every divisional matchup is key in potentially winning the division. Both are competing with the 3-1 Pittsburgh Steelers and 1-2 Cleveland Browns.

Ravens, Bengals Defense Have Been Exploitable

While the Ravens’ secondary improved against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4, it still is ranked 29th most in yards given up through the air. The Bengals were exploited in Week 3, especially against the Washington Commanders, but still finished as a top-11 ranked pass defense as an underrated unit.

Where Cincinnati is weakest on defense is against the run, with the 25th-ranked run defense, while Baltimore has the top-ranked run defense. It will be interesting to see if the Ravens can stop Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and company. They have been burned by a similar group in Cincinnati before, as the Bengals tight ends have also been involved with Mike Gesicki and rookie Erick All Jr. The Ravens secondary will need to repeat their performance from Sunday Night.

Both Offenses Coming Off Explosive Performances

Cincinnati’s passing offense is top-6 in the NFL in yards through the air, as Baltimore is ranked 16th in the league. However, the big difference in their offenses is the run game, as the Ravens are the top-ranked rushing attack in yards by a massive margin, with the Bengals finishing at 23rd. Cincinnati had their best game running the ball last week, but it was against the Carolina Panthers.

Another Derrick Henry game is likely in the works and makes sense for Todd Monken. However, there could be more passing volume than in the last two weeks, as Lou Anaroumo will likely try to stop the Lamar Jackson-Henry duo on the ground. That could open up pass catchers for the Ravens like Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman, and maybe even a tight end sighting with Isaiah Likely or possibly Mark Andrews for the first time in 2024.

Final Thoughts

While divisional games are often wonky and unpredictable, this game should lead to a shootout with where their defenses and offenses are currently this season for the Ravens and Bengals. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s another one-sided blowout in the first half, most likely on Baltimore’s side, to then lead to a second-half effort where Cincinnati comes back in it at home. The Ravens will get the Bengals’ best game most likely, as they have more to play for potential with their season on the line.