Lamar Jackson remains a massive question mark for the Baltimore Ravens, and his game-time decision on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals could completely flip the AFC North. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium, and believe me, fans across the league will be glued to their TVs on CBS and Paramount+.
The AFC North Race Just Got Wilder
This division is a bare-knuckle brawl, and every single game feels like it’s got playoff implications. The Ravens are sitting at a solid 4-2, putting them right there with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers atop the division. But they’re limping into this one after a tough 13-10 loss to the Browns. The Bengals, on the other hand, are dead last in the division with an 0-1 AFC North record, including a loss to the Steelers earlier this season. Good news for them, though, they’re coming off a bye week, so they’ll be rested and ready to try and claw their way back into contention. These divisional games always mean more, but with the standings this tight, this one’s absolutely critical for both squads.
Lamar’s Ankle and The Matchup Nightmare
So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Lamar Jackson. The man has missed the last two games recovering from an ankle injury he picked up back in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans. He skipped all practice last week, and while he had a “better time” at practice this week, he was still limited. His own words on Friday: he’s “heading in the right direction,” but he also said he “can’t call it right now.” This is huge, people. His official status is still unclear, but if he doesn’t suit up, Tyler Huntley is going to be under center. On top of that, the Ravens have ruled out outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (pectoral) and safety Jaylinn Hawkins (knee). The Bengals, however, have no game designations, which is a big advantage.
If Jackson *does* play, the entire dynamic changes. The Ravens’ run game is third-best in the league, averaging 151.5 yards per game, and Derrick Henry is an absolute monster. He leads the league in carries with 130, is fourth in rushing yards with 534, and is tied for second in ground touchdowns. Cincinnati’s run defense is not their strong suit, making this a major challenge for them. But the Bengals’ secondary? That unit is legit, not allowing a single wide receiver more than 63 yards all season. That’s a serious test for Zay Flowers, who is tenth in the league in receptions with 471, and boasts the most in the AFC. On the flip side, the Bengals’ offensive strength is their passing game, ranked eighth in the NFL with 260.0 yards per game, thanks to Joe Burrow.
What’s Next for Baltimore?
DraftKings has the Bengals as 1.5-point favorites, which tells you everything about the uncertainty surrounding Jackson. Honestly, trying to predict this game without knowing Lamar’s status is a nightmare. If he’s out there, I’m leaning Ravens. But if he’s sidelined, then Joe Burrow and that Bengals passing attack could definitely take it, with a projected score of Bengals 27, Ravens 24. No matter what, the Ravens have another massive challenge next week, facing off against the AFC powerhouse Buffalo Bills. This AFC North race is far from over, and every single snap matters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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