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Ravens Dominate Bengals 24–0, Snap Skid and Stay in AFC North Hunt
CINCINNATI — The Baltimore Ravens delivered their most complete performance of the season on Sunday, shutting out the Cincinnati Bengals 24–0 and reminding the division that they’re still very much in the race for a third straight AFC North crown.
After dropping two straight, Baltimore (7–7) bounced back with authority. Lamar Jackson tossed two touchdown passes, Derrick Henry powered the run game, and the Ravens defense smothered Joe Burrow from start to finish — including a fourth-quarter pick-6 that sealed Cincinnati’s fate and handed Burrow the first shutout loss of his NFL career.
“This was complementary football in every phase,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “One of our most intentional weeks of preparation, and the guys took it to another level. That’s what’s impressive.”
With the win, the Ravens claimed their fourth consecutive road victory and moved within half a game of Pittsburgh. The Steelers host Miami on Monday night.
The shutout marked only the fourth time Baltimore has blanked Cincinnati, and the Bengals’ first scoreless outing since the 2017 season opener — also against the Ravens.
Safety Alohi Gilman said motivation wasn’t an issue after the Ravens were blown out by Cincinnati earlier in the year.
“We were still ticked off from the first meeting,” Gilman said. “It felt good to put that on film and show we’re ready to roll.”
Jackson Sharp Early; Henry Steady on the Ground
Jackson did most of his damage before halftime, going 8-for-12 for 150 yards with touchdown passes to Rasheen Ali and Zay Flowers. Henry added 100 rushing yards on just 11 carries — his sixth 100-yard performance of the season.
Despite holding the ball for only 20 minutes, the Ravens struck efficiently, scoring on three consecutive drives bridging the second and third quarters.
“It felt like we had our rhythm back,” Jackson said. “Positive plays, staying ahead of the sticks — that’s when we play our best.”
Bengals Offense Stalls as Frustration Builds
Cincinnati (4–10), officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss, moved the ball into Ravens territory four times but never came away with points.
“It starts with the offense getting shut out, and that’s on me,” coach Zac Taylor said. “Zero points is unacceptable.”
Burrow completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards but struggled against Baltimore’s pressure, going 4-for-10 for 59 yards and two interceptions when hurried. He has now thrown four picks over his last five quarters.
He didn’t shy away from blame afterward.
“One of the worst games I’ve played,” Burrow said. “When your quarterback plays like that, you’re not going to win.”
Ja’Marr Chase remained one of the few bright spots, finishing with 10 catches for 132 yards.
The Knockout Blow: A 95-Yard Pick-6
Down 17–0 midway through the fourth, the Bengals mounted one last push, reaching the Baltimore 7-yard line. On third-and-goal, Burrow tried to escape pressure from Tavius Robinson but threw directly into the hands of Kyle Van Noy at the 5-yard line. Van Noy sprinted upfield before lateraling to Gilman, who dashed 84 yards up the sideline for the first defensive touchdown of his career.
Gilman said the pitch was no surprise.
“I was yelling at him to give it up,” he said, laughing. “Saved him a hamstring. Put it on me.”
Ravens Close First Half With a Back-Breaking Drive
Earlier, Baltimore had extended its lead to 14–0 with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter when Jackson unleashed a 28-yard strike to Flowers in the back corner of the end zone. The Ravens needed only 42 seconds and five plays to go 80 yards after Cincinnati missed a potential interception two snaps earlier.
Harbaugh called it a turning point.
“Going into halftime up two scores — huge,” he said.
Injuries
Ravens:
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LB Teddye Buchanan (knee) exited in the first half.
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CB Chidobe Awuzie (foot) and CB Marlon Humphrey (knee) were injured in the second half. Humphrey later returned.
Bengals:
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WR Charlie Jones (ankle) left in the second quarter.
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TE Noah Fant (ankle), DT Kris Jenkins Jr. (ankle), and RT Amarius Mims (knee) were all injured in the second half and did not return.