The Ravens and Bengals will meet for the 56th time in their storied rivalry when Baltimore travels to Cincinnati for an intense AFC North matchup in Week 2 on Sunday.
There are several key storylines, including the Ravens losing three consecutive games at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, a heartbreaking defeat in the playoffs last January, and a blowout loss in 2021.
Buy Ravens TicketsThe experts have made their picks and the consensus has the Bengals getting a win at home.
The Athletic--Bengals
Nine of The Athletic’s 10 writers and experts are picking Cincinnati.
NFL.com -Bengals
Three of their five experts are picking Cicinnati at home.
How the Ravens’ backup RBs perform in place of J.K. Dobbins on Sunday could determine whether John Harbaugh continues to look in-house for support or seeks help elsewhere. The bigger story here, though, is the expected return of Pro Bowl TE Mark Andrews, who, along with rookie standout Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman, comprise a pass-catching unit capable of mitigating any trouble the Ravens have on the ground. Joe Burrow’s Bengals are way too good to lay another dud, especially at home, but I think their slow start extends into Week 2 before they truly kick things into gear. Sound familiar?
Baltimore Sun--Bengals
Three of their five writers at the Baltimore Sun are picking the Bengals.
Brian Wacker, reporter
Bengals 27, Ravens 17: The Bengals come into this one annoyed from getting embarrassed by the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 and do so healthy, unlike the Ravens, who could be without as many as six starters. The Ravens have been tough on quarterback Joe Burrow in the past, but they’ve still lost each of their past three games at Paycor Stadium (albeit without Lamar Jackson available for any of them). Still, there’s just too much to overcome for a Ravens team that is banged up on the offensive line, without its top running back and is without cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams against what is still one of the AFC’s top offenses.
ESPN -- Bengals
Nine of the 10 writers and experts for ESPN are picking Cincinnati at home.
CBS Sports/Pete Prisco--Bengals
Pete Prisco is picking the Bengals at home.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)The Bengals are coming off a horrible showing in their opener, one in which Joe Burrow looked bad. That will change here. The Bengals will get the offense going here. The Ravens have some injury issues on the offensive line, which could be a problem. The division games are always tough, but I don’t see Cincinnati going 0-2 to start this season like it did in 2022.
Pick: Bengals 27, Ravens 20
Bleacher Report--Bengals
It was a split decision, but the Bleacher Report staff is rolling with Cincinnati.
USA Today--Bengals
Five of the eight writers for USA Today are picking the Bengals.
MMQB--Ravens
Four of the seven writers at MMQB are picking Baltimore.
The Sporting News--Bengals
The Sporting News is picking the Bengals at home.
Athlon Sports--Bengals
Two of the three writers at Athlon Sports are picking Cincinnati.
