Bengals vs. Ravens prediction: NFL Thursday Night Football picks, odds, best bets
Prime-time games have become notorious for low-scoring football, and “Thursday Night Football” is no exception. Thursday night Unders have hit a 60.2% clip over the past six years. While “TNF” games have produced five Overs and four Unders this season, a glance at the injury report for this matchup will show you why the market is beginning to buy back on the Under. The Ravens come into this matchup off a big bounce-back win over the Broncos.Baltimore’s offensive prowess was on full display, but it will struggle to replicate that success against the Bengals. Cincinnati’s defense came into the season underrated but has become one of the best units against the rush.
The Bengals rank sixth in the NFL in yards per rush allowed. The Bengals will have much to contend with in the ground game, as Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson have combined to give the Ravens the best rushing attack in football.However, Jackson is banged up, dealing with multiple injuries, and Henry has sometimes become nonexistent if the game script does not fall in favor. Baltimore has also been excellent through the air.
The connection between Jackson and Zay Flowers is undeniable.However, according to Pro Football Focus’s grades, Cincinnati should also have an answer there as well, as Flowers is the only pass catcher with an above-average matchup. Stream the game live on Thursday night on Amazon Prime VideoOn the other side of the ball, we will see how injuries compound issues in a short week.
The Bengals have a bevy of injuries to their offensive line, are down to Chase Brown and the newly acquired Khalil Herbert at running back, and will likely be without wide receiver Tee Higgins. Joe Burrow overcame these issues last week by putting on an aerial display.Burrow and Co.
should find success against a hampered Ravens secondary that ranks 28th in yards per pass allowed and 19th in opponent completion percentage. However, it may not be as easy, as they won’t get much going on ...