The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will play in a huge AFC North matchup on Sunday. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Bengals-Ravens prediction and pick.
The Bengals and Ravens are both off to good starts in 2021, with young talent at the skill positions on offense being a big reason for both teams. Lamar Jackson is off to an incredible start, looking like an MVP candidate. Joe Burrow and Ja'marr Chase have reestablished their LSU connection, as Chase has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL period to start his career. Jackson has carried a hobbled Ravens backfield to a 5-1 record, and they look to only be getting better.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Bengals-Ravens odds for this Sunday matchup.
NFL Odds: Bengals-Ravens Odds
Cincinnati Bengals +6.5 (-110), +215 ML
Baltimore Ravens -6.5 (-110), -260 ML
Over 46.5 points (-106)
Under 46.5 points (-114)
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Why The Bengals Can Cover The Spread
Burrow and Chase have been enough to keep the passing game rolling, while Joe Mixon is having a good season in the running game. The Bengals defense has also been scrappy. 6.5 points is a lot in the NFL, and while this will be the biggest test maybe of the entire season for the Bengals, they have the talent to compete and even win this game. They will need to establish a running game and keep Burrow protected, as the Ravens defense will be swarming, trying to disrupt the Bengals passing game early and often.
Why The Ravens Can Cover The Spread
Lamar Jackson has been a one-man recking crew so far in 2021, going on a rampage both running and throwing. Mark Andrews and Marquis Brown have had very solid seasons so far, and 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman got in the fold last week. Look for Bateman to do more and more each week, as he brings an intermediate element at wide receiver compared to the raw speed of Brown. The Ravens can cover this spread on their home turf by impacting the Bengals passing game and establishing their own running game. Their revamped veteran backfield of Leveon Bell, Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray is evolving each week, and it looks like all three will be active for the first time Sunday.
Final Bengals-Ravens Prediction & Pick
The Ravens rolled the Chargers last week, and are tough to fade here as well. This may be a tight game, but Baltimore has given the Bengals trouble in recent years and it's a tough ask for the Bengals to travel into Baltimore to pull off the cover or the win. The under is somewhat appealing with two solid defenses, but ultimately it feels safer to pick the Ravens with such good quarterback play on each side. If the Bengals are able to turn this game into a shootout, the Ravens might be just fine with that due to Jackson's improved passing.
FINAL BENGLAS-RAVENS PREDICTION & PICK: Ravens -6.5 (-110)
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