NFL Week 5: Ravens vs. Bengals Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

Ravens vs. Bengals highlights a massive Week 5 battle in the AFC North as both teams are surprisingly looking up in the division standings. 

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in unfamiliar territory to start 2024, their slow start a surprise to many. It wasn’t until Week 4 that they secured their first win, a hard-fought victory against the Carolina Panthers. Across the division, the Baltimore Ravens are riding high, fresh off an impressive home win over the Buffalo Bills, where their potent ground game, led by Derrick Henry’s near 200-yard performance, took center stage.

With his 199-yard, 2-TD game, Derrick Henry is on the cusp of two major milestones:

👑 Needs 18 yards to reach 10,000 career rushing yards
👑 One TD away from 100 career total touchdowns

(by @FanDuel) pic.twitter.com/ugbcZk1vks

— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2024

But as the season begins to unfold, both teams understand the urgency. In a league where every game matters and every week inches closer to playoff implications, Cincinnati and Baltimore know they must find their best football now—not later—if they hope to claim the division crown and secure a coveted playoff position.

For the Bengals, it’s about shaking off the slow start and rediscovering the rhythm that has made them contenders in recent years. For the Ravens, it’s about continuing to build on the momentum they’ve found, balancing their powerful run game with an opportunistic defense.

In the AFC North, there’s no room for complacency. Both teams are aware that the path to the postseason begins with these pivotal weeks, where every play could shift the balance, and every moment carries the weight of something greater to come.

Check out our Ravens vs. Bengals expert picks, predictions, and best bets!

Ravens vs. Bengals Betting Preview

All Ravens vs. Bengals odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 2.

• Spread
  Ravens -2.5
• Moneyline
  Ravens -150, Bengals +125
• Over/Under
  50.5
• Game Time
   1:00 p.m. ET
• Location
  Paycor Stadium | Cincinnati, OH
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  74 degrees, mostly sunny
• How To Watch
  CBS

Check out all of our expert picks, predictions, and best bets! 

Ravens vs. Bengals Prediction

In Week 4, the Baltimore Ravens played like a team on a mission, dismantling the Buffalo Bills 35-10 in what felt like their most complete game of the season. Everything came together for Baltimore—the offensive line held firm, the ground game was punishing, and the defense played with relentless energy, suffocating Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense at every turn.

It was the kind of win that showcased what the Ravens are capable of when all the pieces fall into place. But now, a new test awaits. Outside of an unexpected Week 1 loss to the Patriots, the Bengals have been lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 60 points in their last three games.

Though more balanced, the Ravens have also danced with high point totals, never dipping below 45 in any of their games. And now, with Joe Burrow back in rhythm, the Bengals’ offense is poised to strike. Burrow has been surgical, completing over 70% of his passes, and with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his side, the potential for explosive plays is always there.

Both teams rank among the top six in offensive expected points added, showing their ability to put up points at will. Defensively, however, they’re more average. Baltimore, in particular, has been vulnerable through the air, giving up 257.5 passing yards per game—the third most in the league.

Joe Burrow is playing pissed off. His facial expressions, celebrations, and body language. You can see the fire.

He’s playing the best September football of his NFL career.

If the #Bengals can get competency on Defense, this will be a dangerous team. pic.twitter.com/DS6vQLC2bQ

— 🐅 (@stripe_city) September 30, 2024

Playing at home, where Burrow is 3-1 against Baltimore since 2021, the Bengals are desperate to remind the league—and perhaps themselves—that they’re still a force in the AFC North. This game has all the makings of a shootout, but more importantly, it’s a chance for Cincinnati to reassert their place in the division.

I think the Bengals will surprise some on Sunday.

The Prediction: Bengals 33 -Ravens 24

Best Bet: Bengals +2.5