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Week 16 of the NFL will showcase this incredible AFC North matchup. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Ravens-Bengals prediction and pick.
The Baltimore Ravens are trending in the wrong direction at the wrong time right now. No team has dealt with more injuries than the Ravens this year. If this team was fully healthy from the beginning, then they could be the top team in the AFC right now. Prior to Week 15's loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Ravens were leading the AFC North division. The Cincinnati Bengals took over that spot with a win over the Denver Broncos 15-10. Lamar Jackson (fresh off of another pro bowl nod), could return this week but that is still uncertain. Tyler Huntley played very well in his absence so who really knows how this game will go. I would think the Ravens' odds would be better with Jackson on the field but based on last week's performance, Huntley can get the job done. Jackson is considered day-to-day with a knee injury.
For more insight on the Ravens-Bengals matchup in Week 16, listen below:
The Cincinnati Bengals have had a rollercoaster of a season. They must love where they are at right now because it's at the top of a very competitive AFC North division. A win against the Ravens would be their second of the year as they won 41-17 back in October. The Bengals would improve to 9-6 with a win and that should give them at least a game and a half to a two-game lead for the division. Cincinnati contains the 15th ranked offense and defense in the NFL, so they are right in the middle of the pack in those standards. QB Joe Burrow will need to be on his game this week as the Ravens will be fighting for a win.
Here is how FanDuel set the Ravens-Bengals odds for Sunday.
NFL Odds: Ravens-Bengals Odds
Baltimore Ravens: +3 (-118)
Cincinnati Bengals: -3 (-104)
Over: 45.5 (-105)
Under: 45.5 (-115)
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Why The Ravens Could Cover The Spread
The Ravens will have a much higher chance of covering the spread if Jackson is under center. The Pro Bowler was off to a great season before the knee injury but now it just seems like the Ravens are falling apart. Regardless of who is at QB, it's going to be tough to put up points because the Bengals rush defense is fifth in the NFL. Jackson or Huntley will need to really make plays because not many teams can run the ball against the Bengals. If the Ravens defense can stop Joe Mixon and the Bengals' run game, then it could once again be another blowout for Cincinnati. A big factor for the Ravens will need to be tight end, Mark Andrews. He's the top tight end this season and he can make a ton of plays if they can get him the ball.
Why The Bengals Could Cover The Spread
The Bengals are favored in this matchup for a reason. Both teams are 7-7 against the spread this year, but one thing the Bengals have that the Ravens don't is a complete roster right now. I imagine the Bengals will take advantage of the lack of talent on the other side for this week. If Cincinnati was able to score 41 against the Ravens in Baltimore last time out, then they certainly should be able to do so again at home. Joe Burrow has many weapons to throw to and Mixon is one of the top backs in the NFL. Mixon is fresh off his first Pro Bowl selection. Baltimore has a -9 turnover margin and that is something the Bengals need to take advantage of if they want to cover this spread.
Final Ravens-Bengals Prediction & Pick
Both teams are trending in opposite directions right now. I'm going to take the team that is rising upwards. The Bengals are in a great position to win the AFC North. A win this Sunday should just about do it. Regardless of whether Jackson plays or not, I'm taking the Bengals to cover the spread and win at home. Look out for the Bengals in the playoffs, as they might just win a playoff game for the first time since 1990.
Final Ravens-Bengals Prediction & Pick: Bengals -3 (-104)
