Ravens Vs. Bengals Wild Card Preview (1/15/23): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The Ravens and Bengals split their season series and fought for the AFC North crown into January, but this isn’t the high-profile matchup most expected. With Lamar Jackson again expected to be out for the Ravens, Baltimore is a significant underdog on the road against a Super Bowl hopeful. Will this be the start of another run for the Bengals?

Let’s make predictions, dive into the depth charts, and take a look at the odds ahead of this Wild Card Round matchup at Paycor Stadium.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The Bengals enter as 9.5-point favorites, sitting at -460 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 40.5 points.

The Bengals just beat the Ravens by 11 at home with Jackson out for Baltimore, so that’s a good indication of what we could see on Sunday night. If anything, the Bengals should be even more motivated with what figures to be a much more enthusiastic crowd under the lights. Will a Ravens defense that has played Cincinnati well show up in full force?

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals Prediction

The line has moved as word has trickled out confirming Lamar Jackson’s absence, but it hasn’t hit double-digits yet because the Ravens’ defense has shown something against the Bengals this season. After holding Cincinnati to 16 points in October, the unit at least didn’t let the Week 18 matchup get out of hand.

Still, with the Bengals a world better than they were in October, this feels like a mismatch. Joe Burrow is at his best when the lights shine the brightest, and the Bengals have all of their key weapons healthy against a very banged up Ravens team.

A strong Bengals defense should have a field day with Tyler Huntley, Anthony Brown, or any subpar quarterback the Ravens plan to start.

For the first time in a long time, I expect a comfortable Bengals playoff win. Bengals +9.5 is the way to go.

Betting Trends

The Ravens are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road playoff games. There have been some slip-ups over the years, but John Harbaugh generally has his team ready to play in January.

The Raiders are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.

The under is 12-3-1 in the Bengals’ last 16 games against AFC opponents. As much attention as Cincinnati’s offense gets, the defense has been excellent for an extended stretch.

Key Injuries

Baltimore Ravens Injuries: QB Lamar Jackson (knee) is out. QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder, wrist) is questionable. J.K. Dobbins (knee) is expected to play after sitting out as a precaution in Week 18. WR Devin Duvernay (foot) is out for the season. RB Gus Edwards (concussion) is likely on track to play after he returned to practice Thursday.

Cincinnati Bengals Injuries: OT La’el Collins (knee) is out for the season. OG Alex Cappa (ankle) will miss Sunday’s game. CB Cam Taylor-Britt (groin) is questionable.

Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Ravens vs. Bengals below.

Ravens Run Defense vs. Joe Mixon

If Joe Mixon has a big day against a tough Ravens run defense, Baltimore can say goodbye to their hopes. Based on what we’ve seen this year, Mixon should be in for a tough night. He was held to 27 rushing yards in Week 18 as Baltimore’s run defense continues to strengthen with Roquan Smith.

Baltimore needs this unit to step up again – Mixon did have an efficient game against the Ravens before Smith arrived – and force the Bengals to win by passing the ball.

Bengals Pass Rush vs. Ravens Offensive Line

The Ravens have had a very healthy and generally solid offensive line this season, but it struggled against the Bengals in Week 18. Anthony Brown was sacked four times and forced into some bad throws. Whether it’s Huntley or Brown under center on Sunday, a talented Bengals defensive front could have its way with a young and inexperienced quarterback.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: J.K. Dobbins
RB2: Gus Edwards
RB3: Kenyan Drake
LWR: Sammy Watkins
RWR: Demarcus Robinson
SWR: James Proche II
TE1: Mark Andrews

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

QB: Joe Burrow
RB1: Joe Mixon
RB2: Samaje Perine
RB3: Chris Evans
LWR: Ja’Marr Chase
RWR: Tee Higgins
SWR: Tyler Boyd
TE1: Hayden Hurst