Two teams going in wildly different directions will face off on the Thanksgiving edition of Thursday Night Football, with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cincinnati Bengals.
With a lot still up in the air for the Bengals — most notably, the status of Tee Higgins — we have a seven-point spread favoring the Ravens along with a total of 51.5.
My early Bengals vs Ravens predictions have the visitors making a competitive effort, while I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shootout given the recent history between these teams.
Check out my early NFL picks for Thursday, November 27.
Bengals vs Ravens predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
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Early Bengals vs Ravens spread pick: Bengals +7
With the early week number sitting at the key number of seven, I think this is an excellent opportunity to jump on the underdog. My main reason for thinking so is that this number will almost certainly be on the move and get tucked inside of seven when Joe Burrow is declared active, which is the expectation according to Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor.
Burrow is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a toe injury and appeared close to being activated last week against the Patriots after showing progress in practice. Assuming he has no setbacks, expect to see him in the lineup, which could result in some closing line value for Bengals' backers.
The Baltimore Ravens have rattled off five straight wins to put them in first place in the AFC North, but I don’t think anyone has been blown away by their wins over the likes of the Dolphins, Vikings, Browns, and Jets.
Lamar Jackson isn’t playing at that MVP-level that we're accustomed to, and he could be compromised on a short week. He’s rushed for 14 yards or fewer in three of his last four games and eclipsed 200 passing yards just once in that span.
The two matchups between the teams last season went right down to the wire. The Ravens took both contests, winning one game by a single point and taking the other by three in overtime.
There appears to be more evidence pointing toward the Bengals, with Burrow expected back, Baltimore looking less imposing than its win streak suggests, Lamar’s recent dip in form, and last year’s tight matchups underscoring how close this rivalry tends to be.
Early Bengals vs Ravens total pick: Over 51.5
While recent scoring patterns in Ravens’ games might scare some off, I can’t ignore the high-scoring nature of this rivalry and will gladly back the Over.
Six straight matchups between these teams have topped the total, with last season’s games reaching 69 and 79 combined points.
We didn’t see much life from the Bengals' offense last week, but they should get a major shot in the arm with the return of both Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who was suspended last week.
Yes, Baltimore’s defense has kept scoring down in recent weeks, but let’s consider the competition as the last four quarterbacks they’ve faced are Tyrod Taylor, Dillon Gabriel, J.J. McCarthy, and Tua Tagovailoa. They could be in for a rude awakening against Burrow, who torched them for a ridiculous 820 passing yards in the two games last season.
As for the Bengals’ defense, they present a great opportunity for Lamar Jackson to get back into MVP form. Cincinnati is the only team in the NFL to allow more than 30 points per game. They’re tied for dead-last in yards allowed per play and are allowing the most passing yards per game.
Jackson threw for eight touchdown passes against them last season and should be foaming at the mouth to put on a show in front of the hometown fans on Thanksgiving.
Bengals vs Ravens odds
- Bengals vs Ravens spread: Ravens -7
- Bengals vs Ravens moneyline: Bengals +270, Ravens -340
- Bengals vs Ravens Over/Under: 51.5
How to watch Bengals vs Ravens
- Bengals vs Ravens matchup
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET
- City: Baltimore
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
- TV: NBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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