After all the turkey and stuffing were eaten and the holiday delivered great family memories, there was still one more game to be played — and Joe Burrow reminded everyone why the Bengals shouldn’t be counted out this season. Many questioned whether Burrow should return to what was widely considered a lost season, but with their upset win, the Bengals are suddenly alive in a very weak AFC North race. Cincinnati entered the Thanksgiving Day game as more than a touchdown underdog, and not only did they cover the big spread, they won outright. That victory highlighted how dangerous this Bengals team can be with Burrow back, but it also raised more concerns for Baltimore fans because of how poorly Lamar Jackson played yet again. After that game, the Bengals held a 4-8 record while the Ravens sat at 6-6.
Looking ahead, the Ravens’ schedule is set up nicely for a potential bounce-back. They have upcoming matchups with the Steelers and Bengals over the next two weeks. Thanks to playing yesterday, the Ravens will have over a week to prepare for the Steelers on December 7. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss to the Bears and currently holds the AFC North lead at 6-5, but the schedule down the stretch isn’t doing them any favors. After facing the Bills, they take on the Ravens in Baltimore. Following a matchup with the Dolphins, they play the Lions in Detroit. Their final two games are division battles against the Browns and then the Ravens at home.
Then there are the now-dangerous Bengals, who likely need to win out to have any chance at the playoffs. Cincinnati faces the Bills and Ravens next before finishing with three winnable games against the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Browns. If they win all five, they would finish 9-8 with a real chance at the division. Current odds list the Ravens at -175, the Steelers at +190, the Bengals at 11-1, and the Browns at +30000.