The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens at 1:00 pm ET this week.
The Bengals are coming off a bye week, while the Ravens are coming off a close loss to the Browns in Cleveland. The Ravens are currently a half game ahead of the Bengals in the division, sitting at 4-2 on the season. The Bengals are looking to drop the Ravens to 4-3 this year, while getting themselves to 4-2.
Here are three keys to the Bengals winning in Baltimore for what would be their first AFC North victory
of 2026.
Slowing down Derrick Henry
I have concerns about Justice Hill, carries to Zay Flowers on jet sweeps, and limiting either Lamar Jackson or Snoop Huntley when they break out of the pocket. The one guy that can really wear down a defense, though, is Derrick Henry. One of the best running backs of his era, Henry has 534 rushing yards already this season. He is coming off his lowest rushing total of the season, running for 58 yards against a strong Browns defense.
Can the Bengals have similar success in slowing down Henry this week? To do so, they’ll have to get better at containing outside zone runs. Teams have been much more successful getting the ball to the perimeter instead of just running up the middle.
Slowing down Henry will take a total team effort. The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary players will all need to bring their hard hats this week. Limiting Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ rushing attack will go a long way in pulling off the road victory.
Create explosives in the passing game
The Ravens are the 13th-best passing defense this season, allowing 210 passing yards per game. They are ranked 12th against the run. While they sit in the top half of the league against the pass, they haven’t faced a murderer’s row of passing attacks to start the year. The Ravens have played the Colts, Saints, Cowboys, Titans, Falcons, and Browns. The Cowboys are the only one of those teams ranked in the top 15 in passing yards per game.
The Bengals have the 8th-best passing attack, averaging 260 yards per game so far this season. If I am Cincinnati, I am testing that secondary early and often on Sunday. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the best wide receiver tandem in the league. Dohnte Meyers has been a revelation this season and is coming off his best couple of games. Colbie Young is expected back in the mix this week after returning from injury.
While it would be nice to get the running game going, you should come out looking to create explosives in the passing game to open it up. Teams always run the ball more effectively with a lead. I would come out passing to get that early lead. Take your shots down the field, and let your playmakers go make plays.
Limiting Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson has been the Ravens best pass rusher. Even though he has missed a couple of games with a hand injury, he is still leading the team in pressures. Hendrickson has 20 pressures in just four games played, and has added two sacks so far this season.
The Bengals are very familiar with what Trey Hendrickson can do as a pass rusher. I would expect to see a tight end lined up over beside Orlando Brown Jr. quite often throughout this game. You can expect to see chips from not only those tight ends, but also extra attention from the running backs when we are throwing the football.
Limiting Hendrickson’s impact as a pass rusher will let the Bengals hit those explosives in the passing game. If they do those things, they can come out of Baltimore with a big divisional win this week.
What is your biggest key to a Bengals win over the Ravens this week?
