In a high-stakes clash that could define their season, the Baltimore Ravens—sitting at 6-7—are scrambling to secure their playoff spot with only four games left in the regular season. But here's where it gets controversial: can they really turn things around, or is this the beginning of their first postseason drought since 2021? Stay tuned as we break down everything you need to know about their showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dec 14, 2025 at 08:45 AM
The Ravens find themselves in a fierce fight to stay in the playoff hunt, with a record of 6-7 and just four more games to salvage their year. They've dropped two in a row, setting the stage for Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who boast a 4-9 record but pack a punch on offense. Remember that Thanksgiving showdown in Baltimore? The Bengals dominated with a 32-14 victory, showcasing their talent. Yet, the Ravens have a golden opportunity: winning their remaining four games would guarantee them the playoffs and the AFC North crown (check out the details at https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/how-ravens-win-afc-north-steelers-2025). That's massive motivation for a squad aiming for a third consecutive division win.
'We might have faced them recently, but I'm excited for fresh outcomes and a happier conclusion,' Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson shared this week.
Dive into all the essentials below:
Basics
Get ready for kickoff at Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, right at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Catch the action on TV: Tune into your local channel, WJZ Channel 13 in Baltimore, or CBS with the crew featuring Spero Dedes on play-by-play, Adam Archuleta as analyst, and Aditi Kinkhabwala on the sidelines.
For radio fans, listen live on WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), or Sirius XM Radio Ch. 138 or 381. Find affiliates near you by clicking here (https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-bengals-game-schedule-watch-listen-cbs-channel-week-15).
History
Baltimore holds the edge in their regular-season head-to-head record, leading 32-27 overall, though the Bengals have dominated when playing at home in Cincinnati with a 17-12 advantage.
And this is the part most people miss: Cincinnati could seal their first season sweep since 2021 if they prevail. Their last encounter was that Thanksgiving game at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Bengals cruised to a 32-14 win, halting Baltimore's five-game victory run. The Ravens' performance was marred by a staggering five turnovers—a season high that really hurt their chances. It also marked Joe Burrow's comeback after sitting out nine games due to toe surgery. Burrow, completing 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards and two scores, improved steadily, helping Cincinnati build a lead after a 12-7 halftime score. On the Ravens' side, Derrick Henry rumbled for 60 yards on 10 carries and Keaton Mitchell added 19 yards on two runs, each crossing the goal line once.
Stakes
The Ravens are firmly in control of their fate—they could lock up their third straight AFC North title by sweeping their final games. But a third defeat in a row would spell serious trouble, potentially knocking them out of the playoffs for the first time since 2021. For the Bengals, their postseason dreams are on life support; a loss here would eliminate them outright. They'd need to win every remaining game and rely on some favorable results elsewhere to avoid a third consecutive year without the playoffs. Imagine the drama—how much do you think a single game can shift the entire AFC landscape?
Storylines to Know
Will the Ravens' offense finally ignite in the brutal cold?
Expect this to be one of the chilliest games in Ravens history, with temperatures dipping into the single digits and a nasty negative wind chill at kickoff (see the forecast at https://x.com/ryanmink/status/1999505201489645843?s=20). Baltimore's scoring has been sluggish, topping out at 23 points in their last four outings, and even though the Bengals rank dead last in total defense, they limited the Ravens to just 14 points on Thanksgiving. The offense is overdue for a breakout, but timing is everything if they're to punch their playoff ticket. For beginners, think of it like a car struggling in winter—cold weather can make everything harder, from gripping the ball to running plays smoothly.
Can Baltimore keep their strong road form going?
The Ravens have triumphed in three straight away games, so maybe a venue change will spark a comeback after those two home losses. It's been an unpredictable year for them, with a 3-5 home mark contrasting their 3-2 road record—one of the season's quirkier stats. With three more road contests ahead, they need to channel their inner road warriors to make it to the postseason. As a simple example, picture a team that thrives under pressure away from home, like how some athletes perform better in unfamiliar environments.
Will Baltimore shut down Ja'Marr Chase's explosive potential?
Chase has racked up an average of 119.1 receiving yards per game against the Ravens in his career—the highest in NFL history for any receiver facing a single opponent over at least eight games. His knack for turning routine plays into game-changers makes him a nightmare for defenses. Plus, with wide receiver Tee Higgins sidelined by concussion, Bengals quarterback Burrow might lean on Chase even heavier. He snagged seven passes for 110 yards on Thanksgiving, though he didn't score. Containing Chase could be the turning point for victory. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Chase truly unstoppable, or do the Ravens have schemes to neutralize him that fans just haven't seen yet?
X Factor Players
QB Lamar Jackson
Baltimore needs Jackson to eclipse Burrow's performance, and he's done it before—owning a perfect 4-0 record in starts at Cincinnati. The Bengals' defense often opens doors for him to create magic. Jackson skipped practice for the fifth week in a row, but as he says, what happens on the field is what counts.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton's versatility allows him to pop up anywhere, and he'll be crucial in helping the Ravens' defense force third-down stops against Burrow.
'He’s gotten the better of us a few times, but we’ve returned the favor,' Hamilton noted. 'That’s football—ups and downs, and it boils down to who racks up more wins by game's end.'
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely set a personal season high with five receptions for 95 yards in the Thanksgiving game against Cincinnati. He nearly added two touchdowns last week against the Steelers, but a questionable review reversed his end-zone grab. At a pivotal moment, he's becoming more integral and might be Jackson's go-to target once more.
What do you think—will the Ravens pull off this comeback, or is Burrow's Bengals poised for an upset? Do you agree that the cold weather could be a game-changer, or is it just an excuse? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate the drama!
