Bold Predictions: Ravens vs. Bengals: Passing game stuns Bengals

The betting game is a capricious game, but some of the Beatdown employees join in and are brave! Below are some of the employees who provide their comments clearly Predictions for the Baltimore Ravens' Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Ravens face a Cincinnati Bengals squad that has struggled against the run this season, but just got key reinforcements back as Myles Murphy, BJ Hill and McKinnley Jackson all return. Their play will improve run defense and as a result, we can see the Ravens' tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Probably both thrive. Andrews grabbed two touchdowns and probably leads the receivers with 120+ yards. It becomes something of a shootout as the Ravens struggle to slow down Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki and cross the routes of their speedy receivers in the middle of the field.

Ultimately, the Ravens win as Jackson throws for around 300 yards and four touchdowns. — Kyle Phoenix

This is the third week in a row that the Ravens have faced a subpar, undermanned run defense, so sticking to their newfound identity should produce similar results. However, this is still the AFC North, and the Bengals aren't going down without a fight after gaining momentum in recent weeks. Baltimore should be able to take control of this game, establishing a strong ground game and harassing Joe Burrow with multiple sacks in the first half to take a two-possession lead at halftime. Cincinnati won't escape quietly, as a typical Ja'Marr Chase catch-and-run leads to a Bengals touchdown, sending Ravens fans into hysterics once again in the second half. But just like against the Bills and Cowboys, the offense will make enough plays in the second half, with a few more yards from Justice Hill converted in time on third down, leading to a late Lamar Jackson touchdown to make it happen to seal the game. 27-17. — Nikhil Mehta

The Ravens will come into Cincinnati and keep rolling, following the same formula on offense that has helped them to their last two straight wins. They'll do this again against a weak Bengals defense. Derrick Henry will have another 150-plus yard rushing performance and the offense as a whole will reach over 200 rushing yards for the third straight year, while Lamar Jackson scores three touchdowns on fewer than 20 attempts, including two to Mark Andrews in the red zone. On defense, the unit will build on its best performance of the season so far with another dominant performance as Zach Orr follows Mike Macdonald's blueprint that has helped make life difficult for Joe Burrow in each of the last four meetings between the two teams make. The pass rush brings six sacks, two of which come from Kyle Van Noy for the fourth straight game, and both Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike will also score at least one. The secondary will keep Ja'Marr Chase in check while first-round rookie Nate Wiggins makes up for lost money by intercepting a pass intended for the star wideout, who returns to the house for the first defensive score of the season for the team. Additionally, Justin Tucker will make two 50-yard field goals on a pin up the middle as the Ravens win 41-17. — Joshua Reed

The Ravens are looking for their first winning record of 2024 while facing a division rival struggling on the run. But the Bengals are returning three players to their front four who are impactful. So while the Ravens and Derrick Henry should have success, I expect the Ravens to use play-action and take advantage of the Bengals' likely excessive desire to stop the run. This will be a game about getting the tight ends going. While Mark Andrews begins to rumble, the day belongs to Isaiah Likely, who manages over 100 yards. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are having quiet days, combining for just 5 catches.

The defense is unremarkable, but serves its purpose. Joe Burrows felt pressure all day, but only Madubuike and Ngakoue recorded sacks. The defense gives the wideouts a few points, keeping the game exciting, but the offense keeps them as the secondary grabs their second interception, starting a hot streak. Ravens win. — Zach Canter