Thanksgiving football brought fans a thrilling AFC North clash as the Cincinnati Bengals faced the Baltimore Ravens. The spotlight was on quarterback Joe Burrow return, who rejoined the Bengals after missing nine games with a turf toe injury. His comeback gave Cincinnati renewed hope against a Ravens team riding a five-game winning streak. With Derrick Henry making history and Lamar Jackson leading Baltimore’s offense, the matchup delivered drama, milestones, and playoff implications that captured the essence of holiday football in America.
Joe Burrow’s Return – A Ray of Hope for Cincinnati
• Burrow had missed nine straight games due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
• Without him, the Bengals stumbled badly, going 1-8 in his absence.
• His return on Thanksgiving marked only his third start of the season, but fans hoped he could reignite the offense.
• In his first drive back, Burrow completed 4 of 6 passes for 34 yards, showing flashes of his old rhythm.
For Cincinnati, Burrow’s presence wasn’t just about numbers—it was about morale. The team had struggled to find identity without him, and his comeback gave them a fighting chance against a dominant Ravens squad.
Derrick Henry Makes History
The Ravens’ newest weapon, Derrick Henry, wasted no time making headlines:
• On the opening drive, Henry rushed for 34 yards, surpassing Jim Brown on the NFL’s all-time rushing leaderboard.
• Henry now sits at 11th place with 12,328 career rushing yards, while Brown drops to 12th with 12,312.
• Moments later, Henry broke free for a 28-yard touchdown run, exposing Cincinnati’s weak run defense.
This milestone wasn’t just statistical—it symbolized Henry’s longevity and dominance, adding another chapter to his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Early Game Flow – Bengals Fight, Ravens Respond
• The Bengals struck first with a 31-yard field goal by Evan McPherson, taking a 3-0 lead.
• The Ravens answered immediately with Henry’s touchdown, swinging momentum their way.
• By the end of the first quarter, the score stood Ravens 7, Bengals 3, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle.
Injury Updates – Key Absences
• Tee Higgins, Cincinnati’s star receiver, missed the game due to a concussion. His absence forced rookie Andrei Iosivas into a bigger role opposite Ja’Marr Chase.
• Chandler Martin, an undrafted linebacker for Baltimore, suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
These injuries reshaped both teams’ strategies, particularly for the Bengals, who leaned heavily on Chase without Higgins.
• The game aired on NBC at 8:20 PM ET, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.
• Notably, longtime analyst Cris Collinsworth took the holiday off, replaced by Jason Garrett alongside Mike Tirico and Melissa Stark.
Game Day Conditions
Baltimore weather added a chilly backdrop:
• Temperature: 41°F, dropping to 32°F overnight.
• Winds: 9–13 mph, gusting up to 23 mph.
Cold, windy conditions often favor strong running teams—another advantage for Baltimore with Henry in the backfield.
AFC North Standings Before the Game
• Baltimore Ravens: 6-5
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-5
• Cincinnati Bengals: 3-8
• Cleveland Browns: 3-8
The Ravens’ winning streak had propelled them past Pittsburgh, but a loss could have reopened the door for the Steelers.
Tactical Breakdown
Cincinnati Bengals
• Strengths: Burrow’s return boosted passing efficiency, Ja’Marr Chase remained a deep threat.
• Weaknesses: Run defense ranked among the league’s worst, leaving them vulnerable to Henry and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability.
Baltimore Ravens
• Strengths: Balanced offense with Lamar Jackson’s mobility, Henry’s power, and Mark Andrews’ reliability at tight end.
• Weaknesses: Secondary depth tested, but Cincinnati’s missing receivers limited the damage.
Prediction & Outcome
Analysts predicted a close but decisive Ravens win:
• Final Score Projection: Ravens 31, Bengals 24.
• Key reasoning: Cincinnati’s defense couldn’t contain Baltimore’s rushing attack, while Burrow’s return gave them offensive spark but not enough to overcome the mismatch.
Betting Odds (via BetMGM)
• Moneyline: Ravens -325 Bengals +260
• Spread: Ravens -7
• Over/Under: 52 points
The odds reflected Baltimore’s momentum and Cincinnati’s struggles without Burrow. Bettors favored the Ravens heavily, though Burrow’s return added intrigue.
Why This Game Matters
1. For the Ravens:
• Extending their winning streak to six games solidifies their grip on the AFC North.
• Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry’s chemistry could redefine Baltimore’s offensive identity.
2. For the Bengals:
• Burrow’s return is about salvaging pride and building momentum for next season.
• Even in defeat, showing competitiveness matters for morale and fan confidence.
3. For Fans:
• Thanksgiving football is tradition, and this matchup delivered history, drama, and playoff stakes.
The Baltimore Ravens entered Thanksgiving as a team on the rise, powered by Lamar Jackson’s leadership and Derrick Henry’s historic performance. The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, celebrated the return of Joe Burrow, a symbol of hope in a lost season.
While the Ravens likely walked away with the win, the bigger story was Burrow’s resilience and Henry’s milestone. For American fans, this game embodied everything special about Thanksgiving football: tradition, rivalry, and unforgettable moments.