Four things to watch for in Bengals-Ravens on Prime Video and NFL+

If the first matchup was any indication, the Bengals-Ravens could be a blast on Thursday night.

The Bengals led the Ravens three times in a row in the second half of their Week 5 meeting in Baltimore, but Lamar Jackson scored five times in the final 25 minutes of regulation and overtime to give the Ravens a thrilling comeback victory.

This game is the best QB matchup anyone could ask for. Jackson is currently surpassing his numbers from his 2023 MVP campaign, and Burrow is also on pace to excel, with a 20-4 TD-INT ratio and completing more than 70% of his passes.

It was the Week 11 meeting in Baltimore last year in which the Bengals fell to .500 and lost Burrow to a season-ending wrist injury, effectively closing the door to the postseason. Currently at 4-5, Cincinnati sits in third place in the AFC North and ninth in the AFC standings, and a loss – with several tough opponents remaining – could spell the death knell for their playoff chances.

Both teams were still active at the trade deadline. The Ravens added a wide receiver Diontae Johnson and cornerback Tre'Davious White and the typically passive Bengals were traded for running back Khalil Herbert from the bears. How much all of these new players contribute on Thursday is highly speculative, but it is at least clear that both teams enter this meeting with a win-now mentality.

Here are four things to watch for when the Bengals visit the Ravens on Thursday night on Prime Video and NFL+:

1) The Bengals D needs to do a much better job in this game. Despite a setback against the Eagles in Week 8, the Bengals' defense overall has improved compared to earlier in the season. Remarkably, the unit appeared to have bottomed out in its first loss to the Ravens before its recent revival. In that game, Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo blitzed relentlessly and it cost them. Jackson tore up Cincinnati when it dropped into coverage (on nearly a quarter of its dropbacks!), completing seven of 11 passes for 68 yards and three touchdowns. Of course, Jackson also had success when the Bengals weren't blitzing. The only minor success they had in this game was using two high security grenades, but that wasn't enough. The Bengals didn't have a CB slot Mike Hilton in the first matchup; He's back, which could make a difference. And since the last meeting, the Bengals have been pass rushers Trey Hendrickson was on a roll, with eight of his NFL-best 11 sacks coming in that span. Sam Hubbard And Logan Wilson have also recorded their game. Henry, who ran for 92 yards and a TD the first time around, will be a big challenge again. But the biggest concern might be on the backend. Can the Bengals cover all of the Ravens' passing weapons for 60 minutes – and deal with Jackson as a scrambler?

2) How much more can Diontae Johnson add? Johnson was quiet in his Ravens debut last week, playing 16 snaps and not being targeted in the blowout win over Denver. Expect to see more of Johnson in the mix in the future, but the Ravens already have a strong core Zay flowers, Rashod Bateman And Nelson Agholoralong with running back Derrick Henry and a strong group of tight ends. In his first meeting with the Bengals, Jackson had success throwing to almost everyone. But the Ravens' TE production that day was eye-opening. Isaiah probably caught two touchdown passes, including arguably Jackson's play of the year when he recovered a blown snap and hit Likely for a massive touchdown in the fourth quarter. Charlie Kolar And Mark Andrews Each had big catches of more than 25 yards, combining for seven catches, 119 receiving yards and a touchdown. Each of them had at least one catch for 25 yards. But Johnson beat the Bengals in Week 4 with the Panthers, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Most of his work came against Cam Taylor-Britt; Johnson had less success when DJ Turner of the Bengals covered him. With him expected to miss Thursday with a hamstring injury, Johnson could see a larger role.

3) The Bengals' running game could be in trouble. The Bengals offense still runs through Burrow and the passing game as well as the WR T-shirt Higgins Due to a quadriceps injury that has sidelined him for the past two weeks, it is questionable whether he will be able to play. The status of LT Orlando Brown (knee/fibula), is also doubtful and he is questionable TNF. Either way, Burrow, Yes'Marr Chase and the abundance of passing weapons remain Cincy's bread and butter. The Ravens had few answers for Chase and Higgins last time out, as they combined for 19 catches, 276 yards and four touchdowns. Burrow's late INT was costly, but otherwise he was nuclear against Baltimore's defense. The question is whether the Bengals can even create something resembling a running game. Zack Moss (Neck) is finished for the year. Chase Brown hopes to overcome a rib injury. The Bengals also lost rookie TE Erick All Jr., one of their key run blockers. Trading for Khalil Herbert helps, but can he step in right after Tuesday's trade? Brown was one of their third-down backs but didn't always perform well in pass pro. That's not Herbert's specialty either, so they may need to use him as a variety runner. The good news is that he has fresh legs, having touched the ball 10 times in six games for Chicago. The Ravens will likely challenge the Bengals to run the ball by offering easy boxes and multiple deep safeties. Will the Bengals comply?

4) The Ravens defense must also answer the bell. The Ravens have traded for Rams CB Tre'Davious White, although it remains to be seen whether he can get right in and help in this game considering he won't have much time to adjust and hasn't played since Week 4. The move highlighted the problems and health issues in Baltimore's secondary school system. This group struggled against Cincinnati in Week 5 and had other tough games, although strong performances against the Bills earlier in the season and last Sunday against the Broncos provide hope that this unit can hold together. Brandon Stephens had his hands full Marlon Humphreybut Baltimore's safeties were also a big reason for the defensive failures in Week 5. Even Kyle Hamiltonthe unit's standout, had a crucial penalty penalty on a two-point play; He hasn't had the season he had in 2023 and could use some game-changing plays on Thursday. The Ravens had a little more success not blitzing in the first meeting, so getting home with four rushers and maintaining coverage on the back end could be crucial. If the Ravens want to be among the NFL's elite, they need to get closer to the level they reached in 2023 on defense.