Date/Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 8:20 p.m. ET Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD Network: Amazon Prime Video Betting Context: Ravens favored by 7-7.5 points; Over/Under at 51.5-52.5 (reflecting six straight overs in the series) Atmosphere: Chilly night game in the 30s, clear skies – prime for a physical, high-stakes divisional battle under the lights
Thanksgiving Night delivers another chapter in one of the NFL’s most electric rivalries, as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore’s remarkable turnaround collides with Cincinnati’s desperate bid for relevance, with key returns and nagging injuries adding layers of intrigue. The Ravens’ defensive resurgence meets a Bengals passing attack finally clicking with its star pieces, setting up what could be a pivotal test for both squads’ postseason aspirations.
Table of Contents
Season Snapshot: How They Got Here
Baltimore Ravens (Tied for 1st in AFC North; 5-Game Win Streak)
From a shocking 1-5 start to division frontrunners, the Ravens have been a model of redemption. They’ve notched exactly 23 points in each of their last two victories (over Cleveland and the Jets), while their defense – once leaky – has suffocated opponents, holding foes to 20 or fewer points since an October 5 thrashing by Houston. This hot streak (3-2 ATS) has been against a lighter slate of quarterbacks, raising questions about their mettle against elite arms. Still, Baltimore’s rhythm on offense and grit in the trenches have them holding the tiebreaker over Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati Bengals (Tied for Last in AFC North; Coming off 26-20 Loss to Patriots)
The Bengals showed resilience in Week 12, covering as 7.5-point underdogs in a one-score defeat to New England. But inconsistency has plagued them, leaving them scrapping from the cellar. With Joe Burrow now fully healthy and Ja’Marr Chase back in the fold, Cincinnati’s explosiveness returns – a timely boost for this road test. They’ve kept nearly every Burrow-led game within a touchdown this year, but defensive lapses and the absence of Tee Higgins could prove costly against a surging Ravens squad.
Spotlight Matchups: Where the Game Could Turn
- Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry vs. Bengals Pass Rush: Jackson, fresh off a full practice after a toe scare, pairs with Henry’s cold-weather dominance (historically thrives in sub-40° temps). Cincinnati’s front has generated pressure but struggles to contain mobile QBs – expect Baltimore to lean on the run if they jump ahead early.
- Joe Burrow & Ja’Marr Chase vs. Ravens Secondary: Burrow’s ready to “let it rip” post-toe recovery, and Chase’s return (after suspension) reunites the duo for the first time in weeks. Baltimore’s DBs are “battered” from a tough slate, making this a prime spot for deep shots – especially if the total climbs toward 52.5.
- Ravens Defense vs. Bengals Run Game: Baltimore’s front seven has been lockdown lately, but Cincinnati’s play-action schemes (fueled by a healthy Burrow) could exploit gaps. The short week amplifies fatigue for both sides’ units.
Rivalry Rewind & Momentum Check
No meetings yet in 2025, but the last six head-to-heads have been offensive bonfires – all sailing OVER the total. The Ravens own recent dominance, but Cincinnati’s knack for gritty covers (like last Sunday) keeps them in the hunt. Baltimore’s streak feels real, yet previews whisper caution: their schedule strength trails the league’s elite, and this Bengals offense – with its weapons intact – represents their sternest test since October.
Injury Pulse: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Ravens:
- QB Lamar Jackson: Full go (toe)
- S Kyle Hamilton: Questionable (ankle; limited practice all week – major short-week risk)
- WR Rashod Bateman: Ready to return (missed prior two games)
Bengals:
- QB Joe Burrow: Full strength (toe cleared)
- WR Ja’Marr Chase: Active (post-suspension)
- WR Tee Higgins: Ruled out (concussion)
As the turkey settles and the prime-time spotlight hits, this Thanksgiving tilt boils down to execution: Can Baltimore’s defense weather Burrow’s barrage? Will Cincinnati’s missing pieces blunt their momentum? In a division where every point counts, expect fireworks – and perhaps a few defining moments – from one of the league’s most compelling matchups.