Bengals vs. Ravens Preview: Best NFL Week 2 Betting Site Odds, Promos

Written By Eli Hershkovich on September 16, 2023

The Baltimore Ravens (1-0) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) at 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, Sept. 17. Bengals odds display Cincinnati as a spread favorite and on the moneyline, whereas Ravens odds are at as the best price for Baltimore to win outright across sports betting sites. The point total is set at . In this article, we analyze what you need to know before placing a bet on Bengals vs. Ravens odds.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover a myriad of Bengals vs. Ravens betting markets among the top NFL betting sites. These prices are the best available in your state.

Bengals vs. ravens betting odds

The NFL Week 2 odds for this Sunday afternoon contest are explained below. Know what you’re wagering on before you bet it. You may click any of the odds in this post to navigate to the sportsbook to place a bet.

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Bengals vs. ravens props

Lamar Jackson Over Passing Yards

Some bettors are in the camp that Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will bounce back in a big way, yet Jackson’s upside deserves attention as well. Cincinnati’s pass defense will likely take a step back after losing its safety tandem in the offseason while Jackson’s confidence in a new scheme should continue to grow. However, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is dealing with a quad injury, which kept him sidelined for their season opener. Andrews’ status is critical for Jackson to have success, considering the rest of their injury report. I’ll evaluate more on his impact further along in this guide.

Bengals vs. Ravens Player Props

Utilize our prop finder tool on TheLines.com to price shop for an assortment of NFL player props across the sportsbook industry.

bengals vs. ravens weather

Sunday’s official forecast includes a slight chance of rain showers after 2 p.m. It projects to be mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees.

Related: Eli’s Week 2 Bets For Spread, Total Wagers Include Broncos

bengals vs. ravens injury report

NFL teams finalize their injury reports two days before a game and denote whether a player is questionable, doubtful, or out. Practice participation is also logged throughout the week. Here is the full injury report for the Bengals and Ravens this week.

Starters On The Injury Report

Bengals: None

Ravens:

TE Mark Andrews (Quad)
CB Marlon Humphrey (Foot)
S Marcus Williams (Pec)
C Tyler Linderbaum (Ankle)
LT Ronnie Stanley (Knee)

Analysis: Among the Ravens’ multitude of key injuries, Andrews represents the only name to participate in practice. None of the other four starters were cleared in time for this critical matchup between two heavyweights among AFC North odds.

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evaluation of Bengals vs. Ravens odds

Although I’m lower on Cincinnati than the market, as it pertains to season-long NFL win totals, the current point spread at Bengals appears spot on. Keep in mind that the line closed Bengals -8.5 in their playoff affair. That was without 2020 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Dec. 2022. According to well-respected oddsmakers, Jackson is worth a tick over five points to the spread.

Jackson’s on-field presence leaves us with the current number — with the exception of Baltimore’s aforementioned injuries. However, Joe Burrow’s calf issue may linger into this meeting, accounting for the likely adjustment on the Ravens’ depth chart.

Therefore, the hypothetical edge for either side boils down to bettors’ belief in whether the Bengals’ offense rebounds on Sunday. The same notion applies to Jackson & Co., which delivered an up-and-down performance in their first contest with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Bengals offense vs. Ravens defense

Assuming Humphrey and Williams remain on the sidelines, Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the rest of their normally explosive passing attack has a prime opportunity to redeem itself versus a banged-up secondary. While the Ravens surrendered the league’s fifth-fewest EPA per play in Week 1, it came against the Texans’ rookie-led offense — without three starters along their offensive line.

That said, Burrow’s return to full strength isn’t a guarantee — nor is an ultra-efficient showing. Mike Macdonald, Baltimore’s second-year defensive coordinator, employed zone coverage on 76.9% of Burrow’s dropbacks in their most recent meeting. Over 40% of those looks utilized split-safety (Cover 2/Quarters). Burrow managed just 6.53 yards per pass attempt (YPA) in the process.

This outing was certainly more productive than Burrow’s Week 1 dud, in which he tallied 2.6 YPA in poor weather conditions. Still, Burrow has historically struggled against zone defenses. The familiarity factor is worth considering, too.

Relying on cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin, who’s working his way back from his own undisclosed injury, and Brandon Stephens to limit Chase and Higgins in this scheme is a tall order. But it’s entirely possible that John Harbaugh and Macdonald manufacture a suitable game plan, helping bettors cash above the key number of a field goal.

ravens offense vs. Bengals defense

Jackson generated the ninth-most EPA per dropback in Week 1, yet it didn’t come without a few turnovers. His lack of live reps in a refined offense, along with some overall rust in his return from the knee injury, was noticeable.

If neither Stanley nor Linderbaum suits up at Paycor Stadium, Jackson’s duel-threat prowess isn’t enough to overcome the Bengals’ sound pass rush on its own. That’s why Andrews’ availability looms large. Not only is the perennial All-Pro tight end a security blanket for Jackson, but he’s also an elite run blocker. Zay Flowers, who accrued the highest target share in Week 1 among rookie wide receivers since Eddie Royal (2008), won’t be relied upon nearly as much with Andrews in the lineup. Andrews may be forced into more of a pass-protection role, though, because of their wounds along the offensive line.

Baltimore’s injuries don’t end with Andrews, as tailback J.K. Dobbins was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. The Ravens will lean on Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and possibly Melvin Gordon in his absence.

Nevertheless, Jackson possesses a pair of edges. For one, the Bengals’ secondary is projected to undergo plenty of regression after receiving a bevy of injury luck while losing safeties Jessie Bates and Von Bell. Moreover, Monken’s vanilla offense against the Texans could have been by design — given the opponent and a division rival on deck.

Final Thoughts

As of this writing, I’ll have no bets on this game. The injury front has ultimately conjured up too many hypotheticals on both sides. Check back if you wish, as that could very well change before kickoff. Good luck with your own wagers for Bengals vs. Ravens odds.

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