Bengals Favored as Lamar Jackson Status Shifts Odds

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Market Movement Points to Lamar Jackson Sitting Against Cincinnati

The betting market appears to indicate that Lamar Jackson will not play this week. Cincinnati moved from a three-point favorite to 1.5 points, with the line reaching one point in some spots. If Tyler Huntley starts for Baltimore, the preference is to back Joe Burrow and Cincinnati.

The line could continue moving toward a pick’em before kickoff. Huntley looked good on Baltimore’s opening drive last week but struggled afterward. Cincinnati’s defensive priority will be stopping Derrick Henry and disrupting Baltimore’s running game.

There are still questions about whether Cincinnati’s defense can contain that rushing attack. Cleveland’s defense played well against Baltimore, but this matchup could remain close until the end. Cincinnati is not expected to roll over Baltimore, though anyone wanting to back the Bengals may need to act before the available points disappear.

There was also speculation that Jackson may be reluctant to put himself in harm’s way because of his contract situation. However, that possibility remains speculation, and his status will become clearer when the teams take the field.

Cincinnati enters the matchup after its bye with Chase, Higgins and its running back healthy. Although there has been skepticism about the Bengals meeting lofty expectations, the central issue is the quarterback matchup: a high-caliber starter in Burrow against Huntley, who was described as one of the league’s bottom-tier backups.

Huntley is familiar to viewers and has built a long career as a backup, but familiarity should not be confused with strong play. Baltimore previously let him go, he struggled with Miami and then returned to the Ravens.

If Baltimore could choose between Huntley and Case Keenum for this game, Keenum would be the preferred option. Backup quarterbacks can occasionally produce a memorable performance or comeback, but once opponents have enough film to identify their tendencies, sustaining that success becomes much harder.