Bengals vs. Ravens: NFL Week 7 betting odds, preview, and pick
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson turns the corner on Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Samson Ebukam. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
October 19th, 2021
A battle between the top two teams in the AFC North will take place this weekend, as the Cincinnati Bengals head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
Let’s take a look at this crucial matchup and come up with a wager.
The Bengals have a 4-2 record and are 3-3 against the spread (ATS). The Ravens sit atop the AFC North, at 5-1, and are also 3-3 ATS. The Ravens are also 3-0 at home and each team enters off a dominant win.
Defense key to the Bengals' surprising success
The Bengals entered the season with a win total of just six or 6.5, depending on when and where you looked, which was a reflection of the many questions that surrounded the team.
At the forefront was quarterback Joe Burrow’s health, as he had major knee surgery last season and was an unknown variable for the offense. Burrow has responded nicely, the Bengals have added a star wide receiver and Rookie of the Year candidate in Burrow’s collegiate teammate Ja’Marr Chase, and the offensive line is overperforming.
Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase is fun. They've connected for a TD in all 3 games this season. pic.twitter.com/lk1qvVaBbe
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 26, 2021
Perhaps more notable than the offense is the success and strength of the defense. After Cincinnati parted ways with longtime defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, the Bengals replaced them with Trey Hendrickson and Larry Ogunjobi.
The linebacker and defensive back levels have been upgraded, as well, and the Bengals rank fourth in yards allowed per pass attempt and eighth in yards allowed per rush attempt. The Bengals rank third in points allowed per play.
Burrow, Chase, and a number of talented offensive weapons get more attention, but this team is winning with elite defense.
Bengals vs. Ravens injury report
| Cincinnati Bengals | Baltimore Ravens |
|---|
G D’Ante Smith: Out (knee) | OT Ronnie Stanley: Out (ankle) |
RB Samaje Perine: Questionable (COVID-19) | WR Sammy Watkins: Questionable (hamstring) |
CB Trae Waynes: Out (hamstring) | RB Latavius Murray: Questionable (ankle) |
WR Mike Thomas: Questionable (ankle) | G Ben Cleveland: Out (knee) |
Bengals and Ravens betting trends
- Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS in its last six games following a straight-up win
- Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last five games against teams with a winning records
- The Under is 5-0 in the last five Bengals games
- Baltimore is 8-1 straight up in its last nine games against AFC North opponents
- Baltimore is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games
Injuries will factor into the result
The Bengals enter this matchup much healthier than the Ravens, but Baltimore could get key pieces back this week, so watch the injury report.
One of the most important members of the Ravens offense is tight end Nick Boyle, and it sounds like he may close to a return from a 2020 knee injury.
Nick Boyle’s receiving skills are underrated pic.twitter.com/oAQ6iQX771
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) May 9, 2021
Wide receiver Sammy Watkins also sat out against the Chargers in Week 6, but if his hamstring heals, he could return to the field for this matchup. Fellow wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin are both back on the field, following early season injuries, and more reps in practice and games should serve the Ravens well, as they continue to gel into the offense.
The Ravens are tough at home and should have the upper hand, but against this Bengals defense, they will need all hands on deck to keep their division lead.
Score prediction: Ravens 27, Bengals 20
NFL Week 7 pick: Ravens -6.5
Bengals vs. Ravens pick, powered by The Quant Edge
Our predictive engine is calling for the Ravens to win the game and to cover the spread, while the total should go Under 47.5.
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