Fresh off a stunning collapse against the Bills, the Ravens return to M&T Bank Stadium to host their AFC North division-rival Bengals on primetime.
The Ravens, who enter as 3.5-point favorites, are 2-2 despite trailing for 14 total seconds this season. They will be without several key players, notably wide receiver Rashod Bateman. The Bengals, meanwhile, enter on a two-game win streak and should have a healthy roster.
Here’s a same-game parlay for Sunday night’s exciting matchup.
Game Total
Over 47.5 (-110)
This game has a chance to be a shootout.
After a few weeks of struggling to turn drives into touchdowns, Cincinnati has the perfect matchup to succeed. The Ravens blitz at a top-five rate, which plays perfectly into Joe Burrow’s speciality as an elite passer even when rushed — his mobility is an added bonus. We saw last year just how easily he carved up the Ravens.
This year, Baltimore ranks in the bottom half in PFF grade on defense once again and should have trouble stopping the Bengals' receiving group.
This has all the makings of a 3-to-4 touchdown performance from Cincinnati in a down-to-the-wire game where pace of play should be quick.
On the other side, I think Baltimore will be able to move the ball against Cincinnati. The Ravens have put up an average of 30 points per game and that’s with the second-half dud against Buffalo where they didn’t score.
I wouldn’t be worried about Bateman’s absence as Jackson still has plenty of weapons while his dual-threat ability should lead to explosive plays. The Bengals defense hasn’t looked great at times while the Ravens offense is elite.
Tack on Evan McPherson and Justin Tucker’s consistency, and missed field goals shouldn’t be an issue.
Last year, both games featured 58-plus points. I expect another high-scoring game in what should be the best primetime event we’ve had this season.
Lamar Jackson
80+ Rushing Yards (+250)
Jackson has eclipsed this number twice in four games, and in one of the two unders, he came just seven yards short.
He is one of the most explosive players in the NFL and can break a big run at any moment. With Bateman out, the Ravens may lean on the run a bit more and that should only benefit him.
Last year, in his only game against Cincinnati, he ran the ball 12 times for 88 yards. His longest scamper went for 16.
This number is too low for Jackson, who should see double-digit carries once again. This is the perfect long-shot play to round out the parlay.
Mark Andrews
ATD (+110)
Since his rookie season, Mark Andrews has scored a touchdown in 50 percent of his games against the Bengals. He’s long been Jackson’s favorite target in the red zone and, with Bateman out, Andrews should be relied on heavily to punch the ball in.
After a disappointing performance against Buffalo last week, I expect him to rebound. With a 47.5-point total, there should be plenty of opportunities for Baltimore.
Andrews was the most targeted receiver last season and has three touchdowns through four games in 2022. While his receiving yards prop is a tad high, I think getting him to score at plus money is worth the add.
Tee Higgins
Over 66.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
It seems like opposing defenses have made a statement against this Bengals offense: Bracket Ja’Marr Chase and make everyone else beat you.
Tee Higgins has stepped up to that challenge.
After a down season opener (two receptions for 27 yards), Higgins has exploded to the tune of 18 receptions, 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He has been targeted once more than Chase over the past three weeks and should continue to roll.
It’s also worth noting that Higgins has the Ravens’ number, too. Last year he hauled in 19 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens have graded around league average in pass coverage and given the added attention to Chase in his second year, I expect another strong performance from Higgins.
The Parlay (+1515)
- Over 47.5 (-110)
- Lamar Jackson 80+ Rushing Yards (+250)
- Mark Andrews Anytime TD (+110)
- Tee Higgins Over 66.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
