What a difference two weeks makes.
Alarm bells have been replaced by Super Bowl hype for the surging Baltimore Ravens, and my Ravens vs. Bengals predictions expect the visitors to come out swinging in the first half.
Read all about it in my NFL picks for this Sunday October 6 showdown.
Ravens vs Bengals prediction
My best bet
Ravens first-half moneyline (-125 at BetMGM)
My analysis
With Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry powering a ferocious run game, the Baltimore Ravens are built to play with a lead. Judging by their past two outings, it’s a working formula.
Riding fast starts equal parts explosive and bruising, Baltimore stunned the Buffalo Bills on the way to a 21-3 half-time advantage last Sunday — a week after flying to a 21-6 lead against the Dallas Cowboys.
The arrow is pointing up for the visitors, and I’m picking the Ravens to keep their foot on the gas. The 1H moneyline is a slightly better price than the game moneyline, and Baltimore is averaging 15.3 first-half points through four games — the fifth-best mark in the league.
Dating back to last season, the Ravens have hit the 1H moneyline in 15 of their past 22 contests.
As good as Baltimore has looked lately, this pick also speaks to the Cincinnati Bengals defensive struggles, and the fear factor largely stems from Cincy's porous run defense.
It's allowing 145.5 rushing yards per game and now comes face-to-face with a rushing buzzsaw. There’s just been no traction on that side of the ball for the host. The Bengals had no answer for Jayden Daniels in Week 3 as the Washington Commanders scored 38 points and didn’t punt once.
Sure, Cincinnati finally got its first win last weekend, but it still gave up 24 points to the Carolina Panthers. I expect the Ravens to have more answers on Sunday, including a well-honed game plan for another impressive opening half.
Ravens vs Bengals same-game parlay
Ravens first-half moneyline
Justice Hill Over 19.5 receiving yards
Evan McPherson Over 1.5 field goals made
It’s almost unfair Baltimore has the luxury of turning to Justice Hill as a change of pace from the Jackson-Henry duo.
Hill led the Ravens with six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Bills, and he’s become an important receiving option for Jackson.
In four outings, Hill already has 16 grabs for 161 yards. With his searing speed, he can reel off a 20-yard play and hit this Over on a single reception.
Despite some of the doom and gloom, I expect the Bengals to put up a fight. After all, a win here would pull them back into the AFC North picture.
But I have my doubts about their ability to pick through the Baltimore defense. Though Joe Burrow looked more comfortable last weekend, there’s still big potential for drives to stall in and around the red zone.
Enter Evan McPherson, who’s 9-for-10 on field goals so far this season, knocking through at least two kicks in each of his last three outings. The Bengals have only gone for it on fourth down four times this year, and they may settle for field goals as long as the scoreline is close.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Ravens vs Bengals odds
Ravens vs Bengals live odds
Ravens vs Bengals opening odds
- Spread: Baltimore -2.5 | Cincinnati +2.5
- Moneyline: Baltimore -140 | Cincinnati +124
- Over/Under: Over 50 | Under 50
Ravens vs Bengals spread and Over/Under analysis
- After the Ravens’ masterpiece on SNF against the Bills, it’s hardly surprising to see a 2.5-point line for Week 5 against a 1-3 Cincinnati team.
- The Ravens won both meetings last season, covering the spread on each occasion.
- Watch out for this Bengals offense in the third quarter — they’ve cashed in the third quarter Over in 11 of their last 17 outings.
- The Over has been a winning ticket in Cincinnati’s last three games, while Baltimore has scored 63 points across its past two contests.
Ravens vs Bengals betting trend to know
The Over is 8-2 in Cincinnati’s past 10 games. Find more NFL betting trends for Ravens vs. Bengals.
Ravens vs Bengals game info
| Location: | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date: | Sunday, 10-6-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
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