Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens Betting Preview/Prop Picks
09 October 2022
Time: 8:20 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 131.870; Baltimore 143.053
Dunkel Line & Total: Baltimore by 11; 53
Vegas Line & Total: Baltimore by 3; 48
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-3); Over
We've got an AFC North matchup scheduled for Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens. This Sunday night game will see Joe Burrow take on Lamar Jackson after a 27-15 win over the Dolphins.
With a 2-2 record, the Bengals will look to break the .500 seal with a win today. The question is, how does their defense plan to slow down Lamar Jackson?
The Baltimore Ravens have a 2-2 record as well but are 0-2 at home. Having failed to win a home game so far this season, today is a perfect chance for them.
Last week, the Ravens lost to the Bills 23-20. Now, with three teams tied in the AFC North, the Ravens will look to separate themselves. They come into this game as three-point favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals need to find their defensive identity
The Cincinnati Bengals lost their first two games of the season but went 2-0 since that day. They have a strong offense, averaging 22.8 points per game (13th).
Their passing game ranks eighth overall in the NFL, with 257.3 passing yards per game. Over the last two weeks, they've been able to beat the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. So, how can they beat the Ravens?
The first thing they'll need to do is find ways to pressure Lamar Jackson. By pressuring him, they can get him on his heels early and keep him inside the pocket.
As a defense, the Bengals allow an average of 17.5 points per game. The only problem is they haven't yet faced an offense like the Baltimore Ravens. They especially haven't faced a quarterback as good as Jackson.
Baltimore Ravens: Ravens offense needs to fire on all cylinder
The Baltimore Ravens need to score early and score often to win this game. Their defense hasn't done well this season, allowing 25 points per game.
The Bengals have several offensive weapons, including Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If the Ravens' defense can't stop these two, this game could get out of hand quickly. The good news is the Ravens' offense is pretty great.
As a team, the Baltimore Ravens average 29.8 points per game, ranking eighth in the league. Their passing game averages 217.3 passing yards per game, but their running game is eighth in the league.
By putting up 142 yards per game on the ground, the Ravens should be able to establish the run early. Keep in mind that Jackson heavily contributes to their running game.
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens Betting Pick
When looking at the Bengals' last two games, you'll start to see they aren't very impressive. They beat the New York Jets, 27-12, and beat the Miami Dolphins, 27-15.
Their offense did well but keep in mind that Tua Tagovailoa didn't play for the Dolphins during that game. They only come in as three-point underdogs as well, so they don't have a large margin for error.
The Baltimore Ravens, however, are coming off a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. This should give them more than enough motivation to pull off a win here.
As three-point favorites, they shouldn't have a hard time covering the spread, either. The Ravens are also 2-1-1 against the spread this season.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3, OVER
Prop Picks
Baltimore (-115) OVER 25.5 Points
Baltimore averaged 22.8 points per game on offense last season, which ranked No. 17 in the NFL. That average has increased to 29.8 points per game this season. Scores have gone OVER in seven of the Ravens’ last 10 games following a loss.
With Dunkel predicting a Baltimore win by the score of 32-21, take the Ravens (-115) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 25.5 points against the Bengals.
Lamar Jackson (-125) OVER 223.5 Passing Yards
Baltimore is averaging 217.3 passing yards per game this season, which ranks No. 21 in the NFL. That average increases to 226.0 passing yards per game at home.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas point total, take Jackson (-125) to finish OVER 223.5 passing yards against the Bengals.
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All Media on this page by Associated Press.
