NFL Thanksgiving: Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The NFL’s Thanksgiving night feature delivers an AFC North rivalry under the lights as the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) visit the Baltimore Ravens (6-5). The headline: Joe Burrow returns after missing more than two months with a turf toe injury suffered in Week 2, sending Joe Flacco back to the bench despite steady production.
With Baltimore surging and Cincinnati desperate to salvage its season, BetMGM’s splits paint a fascinating picture heading into prime time.
CIN vs BAL Matchup Board: Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
BetMGM Betting Splits & Market Movement
Baltimore opened as a full 7-point favorite, but bettors have nudged it to Ravens -7.5, signaling growing confidence in the AFC North co-leader.
- Spread: 52% of bets on Ravens, 77% of handle on Ravens -7.5
- Total: 52.5 → 51.5, with 54% of bets on the Over but 59% of handle on the Under
- Moneyline: Bengals +300, Ravens -370 – 62% of tickets on Bengals, but 64% of handle on Baltimore
Public bettors are grabbing the Bengals’ plus money, but the larger wagers—sharp action—remain confident in Baltimore’s consistency.
Burrow Returns: What Changes for Cincinnati
Joe Burrow’s season line:
- 189 passing yards
- 94.5 YPG
- 2 TD
- 91.1 rating (limited sample due to injury)
While Flacco was solid filling in, Burrow provides a massive upgrade at quarterback.
The Bengals’ offense has been below average without Burrow, ranking:
- 18th in scoring (22.5 PPG)
- 23rd in total offense (320.9 YPG)
- 30th in rushing (84.9 YPG)
- 32nd in time of possession (27:06)
Burrow’s timing with Ja’Marr Chase (861 yards, 5 TD) is the key to any upset hope. Without explosive plays, Cincinnati won’t keep pace.
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Ravens: Momentum, Balance & Defense
Baltimore has ripped off five straight wins, fueled by a balanced attack:
- 1,595 yards
- 15 TD, 3 INT
-
871 yards, 9 TD
-
761 yards, 1 TD
Team rankings:
- 10th in scoring (25.0 PPG)
- 21st in total offense (333.6 YPG)
- 6th in rushing (138.0 YPG)
And defensively, they’ve been opportunistic:
- 19th in scoring allowed (23.7 PPG)
- 24th in passing allowed (230.0 YPG)
- 20th in rushing allowed (117.5 YPG)
- 9 sacks + 7 INT combined
Baltimore wins with efficiency and physicality—both of which will challenge Burrow in his return.
Recent Form & Trend Breakdown
Bengals Past 5
- 20–26 NE (L)
- 12–34 PIT (L)
- 42–47 CHI (L)
- 38–39 NYJ (L)
- 33–31 PIT (W)
Cincinnati is 1–4 in its last five and has allowed 360 points this season, the most in the NFL.
Ravens Past 5
- 23–10 NYJ (W)
- 23–16 CLE (W)
- 27–19 MIN (W)
- 28–6 MIA (W)
- 30–16 CHI (W)
Baltimore has outscored opponents 131–67 during the streak.
Matchup Edges
Offense
- Ravens PPG: 25.0 (10th)
- Bengals PPG: 22.5 (18th)
Yardage
- Ravens: +12.7 YPG advantage
- Ravens rushing edge: 138.0 YPG vs 84.9 YPG
Defense
- Ravens allow 347.5 YPG (24th)
- Bengals allow 415.8 YPG (32nd)
Cincinnati’s defense is the worst in football on paper—Burrow must be nearly perfect to overcome it.
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The Final Word
Burrow’s return brings volatility into this matchup, but BetMGM’s handle splits tell the real story: sharps aren’t buying Cincinnati yet. Baltimore’s balance, home-field edge, and advantage in the trenches make them the popular favorite.
All BetMGM data is based on straight bets
