2025-26 NFL Thanksgiving Day Matchup Cincinnati vs. Baltimore Preview: Can Burrow's return spark a Bengals Thanksgiving upset? November 27, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) and Baltimore Ravens (6-5) meet under the primetime spotlight on Thanksgiving night as their AFC North battle heats up. Baltimore enters the matchup tied with Pittsburgh atop the division, while Cincinnati looks to claw out of the basement as they share last place with Cleveland. Kick-off is set 8:20PM EST.

This matchup also marks the much-anticipated return of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a turf toe injury—returning ahead of his initial three-month timeline. Cincinnati will still be without Tee Higgins due to concussion protocol, though star wideout Ja'Marr Chase returns from last week's suspension. Meanwhile, the red-hot Ravens ride a five-game winning streak and hold a 32–26 advantage in the all-time regular-season series, including victories in the last four meetings.

Head-to-Head Matchup

• All-Time Regular Season Series: Ravens lead 32–26
• Last 10 Games: Ravens lead 7–3
• Current Streak: Ravens have won 4 straight
• Burrow vs. Baltimore: 820 passing yards in two meetings last season
• Jackson vs. Cincinnati: 10–2 career record, 22–4 TD–INT ratio, 784 rushing yards

Game Overview

Joe Burrow's return is the central storyline for Cincinnati. The Bengals managed just one win during his absence, going 1–8 after his Week 2 injury. Burrow torched Baltimore last season statistically, though the Bengals still dropped both contests. Some rust is expected, but his connection with Ja'Marr Chase—one of the league's most productive duos—gives Cincinnati renewed hope.

Baltimore, meanwhile, continues to surge. Lamar Jackson, dealing with lingering knee, ankle, and toe issues, has been instrumental in the Ravens' five-game winning streak. He missed Monday's practice but returned fully on Tuesday, keeping him on track to start.

Cincinnati vs. Baltimore Sports Bet Odds

The Ravens are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Ravens are favored by 7 points, with a money line of -340.
• The Bengals are the underdogs by 7 points, with a money line of +273.
• The Total is set at 51.5 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Key Storylines

Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow's Return & Fading Playoff Hopes

Burrow's comeback injects life into a Bengals team that has struggled mightily without him. Cincinnati's playoff chances remain slim at 3–8, but with two remaining games against Baltimore and another against Buffalo, a late push is not impossible.

Ja'Marr Chase has a remarkable track record vs. the Ravens—67 catches, 1,046 yards, and nine touchdowns in nine meetings (including playoffs). Last season, he posted an NFL-record 457 receiving yards and five touchdowns in two matchups against Baltimore.

The Bengals' run game has also shown marked improvement lately, averaging 118.8 rushing yards over their last five contests—more than twice their average from the first six weeks. Chase Brown has delivered key production with two 100-yard outings in that span.

Defensively, stopping the run remains Cincinnati's biggest issue. They are allowing 156 rushing yards per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens: Momentum, Defense, and Jackson's Durability

Baltimore's five-game winning streak has vaulted them back into the AFC North lead. Despite multiple lower-body issues, Lamar Jackson continues to be highly effective—with a 10–2 career record against Cincinnati to show for it.

This season, Jackson has thrown for 1,595 yards with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions, though his recent accuracy has fluctuated. Baltimore's defense has been the backbone of their success, holding six straight opponents under 20 points and allowing just 13.4 points per game during their current streak.

The secondary remains a concern, ranking 24th against the pass and allowing 230 yards per game. Cincinnati's air attack will try to exploit that.

On offense, Derrick Henry is chasing history, needing only 19 yards to pass Jim Brown for 11th on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Tight end Mark Andrews is three catches away from overtaking Derrick Mason for the franchise record, while DeAndre Hopkins sits one reception from reaching the 1,000-catch milestone.

Injury Report

Bengals:

• Out: Tee Higgins (concussion), Trey Hendrickson (hip)
• Expected to Play: Joe Burrow (toe)

Ravens:

• Questionable: Lamar Jackson (toe), Kyle Hamilton (ankle/shoulder)
• Jackson expected to play

Final Thought

With the Bengals desperate to salvage their season and the Ravens surging toward a division title, this Thanksgiving night showdown has all the makings of a high-intensity AFC North classic. Burrow's return adds intrigue, but Baltimore's momentum - and Lamar Jackson's dominance in this rivalry—sets the stage for a heavyweight battle under the holiday lights.

2025-26 Cincinnati vs. Baltimore Team Stats

CINCINNATI BENGALS	VS	BALTIMORE RAVENS
T3rd AFC North (3-8) Away (1-4) | STRK L4	Standings	T1st AFC North (6-5) Home (3-3) | STRK W5
222.2	Passing Yards Per Game	176.6
84.9	Rushing Yards Per Game	138.0
22.5	Points Per Game	25.0
259.8	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	230.0
156.0	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	117.5