Bengals 2025 Opponent Preview: Baltimore Ravens

The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens in their first-ever Thanksgiving game during Week 13 of the 2025 season, followed by hosting them again in Week 15.

The Ravens enter the season as the reigning 2024 AFC North champions, finishing 12-5 but losing to the Buffalo Bills (27-25) in the Divisional Round playoffs. Offensively, they led the NFL in total yards per game (nearly 425) and rushing yards per game (187.6), while ranking third in scoring (30.5 points per game). Key contributors included RB Derrick Henry (1,921 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and QB Lamar Jackson (41 passing TDs, 4 INTs, 915 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs), who was an MVP finalist. Defensively, they allowed the ninth-fewest points per game (21.2) and held opponents under 20 points for the final month of the regular season. Standouts included Pro Bowlers S Kyle Hamilton and LB Roquan Smith, and LB Kyle Van Noy (12.5 sacks).

In the offseason, Baltimore added significant pieces: WR DeAndre Hopkins (free agency) to bolster the passing attack, CBs Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie (free agency) to strengthen the secondary opposite Marlon Humphrey, and drafted S Malachi Starks in the first round. They lost starting G Patrick Mekari in free agency.

Head coach John Harbaugh enters his 18th season, the NFL's second-longest tenured coach. His tenure includes 12 playoff appearances, six division titles, and a Super Bowl win. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken enters his third year; under him, the Ravens have ranked near the top in nearly all major offensive categories. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr enters his second season after his 2024 unit ranked first in rush defense and yards per rush, and second in sacks and QB hits.

The Bengals and Ravens have a long divisional rivalry (59 meetings), including a Bengals Wild Card win in 2022. In their two 2024 matchups, Bengals QB Joe Burrow threw for 820 yards and 9 TDs, while WR Ja'Marr Chase had 457 yards and 5 TDs. Burrow and Chase will face a revamped Ravens secondary featuring Starks, Awuzie, and Alexander alongside Humphrey and Hamilton. Notably, Derrick Henry was held under 100 yards in both 2024 games against Cincinnati, including just 68 yards in the second meeting. The Bengals countered by adding DT T.J. Slaton Jr. in free agency to bolster their run defense.